May Day, known as International Workers’ Day, celebrates workers and the history of labor organizing.

That aligns with the goals of the Palomar Council of Classified Employees, says the local’s president, Anel Gonzalez.

“Our mission is to be in solidarity with working people in general,” she said. “It is rooted in the belief that collective action and solidarity give power to all the workers, right? We are about supporting all unions, and that means to us if as working people we unite, then we can have a greater chance at beating fascism.”

The local also celebrates something else on May Day — its anniversary. On Friday, May 1, 2026, the members marked 39 years.

Gonzalez said they originally planned a low-key event for members with an ice cream truck. But because the next day was the local’s Solidarity & Strength Community Festival, some members of the national and state union such as AFT Executive Vice President Evelyn DeJesus and CFT’s Executive Vice President Juan Ramirez, who were attending the festival, came for the anniversary/May Day celebration as well.

CFT’s support has helped CCE 4522 become a more powerful local, Gonzalez says. She cites the organizing grant they got, which they partly used to build a database to help keep accurate lists and increase the already strong membership.

Tutoring coordinator and site representative Leticia Murillo also works on increasing membership. She loves events like the May Day one, which she thinks provide a positive experience for members and an opportunity for colleagues with different schedules and work places to come together.

“May Day revolves around community and friendship and joy, and that was a perfect segue into what our union is trying to build as well,” she said. “It was celebrating each other, our collective wins, and doing it together.”