Mercer County joins national May Day movement

Dozens of people rallied outside the Mercer County Courthouse on Saturday as part of a nationwide May Day movement, demanding stronger protections for workers, immigrants, and families relying on public programs.

The Mercer protest was one of many held across the country on May Day—also known as International Workers’ Day—with participants voicing concerns about issues ranging from wage inequality to healthcare access.

Rhona Paglia, a member of the Democratic Women of Mercer County, said she’s worried about the future of education and public broadcasting.

“We have the First Amendment—freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of the media,” Paglia said. “You can’t take away PBS and NBC. Big Bird would be out here if he had a chance to say, ‘Hands off children’s television, hands off Head Start.’”

She encouraged others to speak out and protect resources that support youth and early education.

Deborah Tuttle, of Greenville, said she joined the rally because of her concerns about healthcare funding, particularly for people with disabilities.

“I have a grandson who’s autistic—he’s just like you and me, only he thinks a little bit differently,” she said. “He’s one of the nicest people I know, and I don’t want his Medicaid to be cut.”

Tuttle shared that she’s attended multiple rallies in the past, including Women’s March events and science-based protests. She also spoke about surviving polio as a child and said she believes medical research and human rights protections are essential.

“If we save our democracy, we can fix a lot of the problems we have right now,” she said.

Participants at Saturday’s rally said while May Day is recognized just once a year, the issues they’re raising—fair wages, healthcare, public education—require year-round attention and action.