Richmond joins nationwide ‘Workers Over Billionaires’ protests

Sep 2, 2025 - 03:25

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Richmond joins nationwide ‘Workers Over Billionaires’ protests

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Hundreds of Central Virginians gathered at Richmond's Monroe Park on Labor Day, joining a nationwide movement calling for more power, protection and respect for workers.

The rally was part of the “Workers Over Billionaires” movement, which took place in more than a thousand cities across the country on Monday, Sept. 1.

“No one speaks of the tens of thousands of workers who do not get to join in a National Day of Rest,” one speaker said.

Organizers with the group 50501 said that, while Labor Day honors the achievements of working Americans, it also serves as a reminder of the economic disparities millions face.

Sept. 1 "Workers Over Billionaires" protest held in Richmond's Monroe Park. (Photos: Sara Molina/8News)

“We live in the richest country in the world, yet we struggle to pay for necessary medical procedures, education and housing,” another speaker told the crowd.

Protesters pointed to what they called an “anti-worker agenda” from the White House, adding that the rally was about unity.

"Having to work two jobs, being full-time in school, still struggling to make ends meet," one such protester, Brianni Peña, said. "You know, literally killing myself, trying to just work and live."

Organizers said it's voices like Peña’s that are too often overlooked by both political parties when it comes to workers’ rights.

“All of that excess effort, all that excess wealth that we create, is not widely distributed or focused for the betterment of all of us,” one organizer said. "If the Democratic Party does not stand up and promote changes that have been needed, if they do not do what is right, then that party seeks to be irrelevant."

They also highlighted challenges faced by federal employees and immigrants, two groups they said have been disproportionately impacted by policies threatening their security.

"We are a land of immigrants," said protester Mary Middleton. "Today, many immigrants do the job that many Americans do not want to do."

8News reached out to several Republican lawmakers, including Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s office, for comment on these protests, but has not yet received a response due to the Labor Day holiday. This story will be updated with those responses when we receive them.