Somerville Resident Joins May Day Rally for Workers' Rights

Mark Hanley, a progressive artist from Somerville, was among the nearly 100 Occupy protesters huddled under Trinity Church in Boston Tuesday to prepare for a International Workers' Day march to Government Center.

Hanley held a large banner declaring "Decolonize," which, together with a counterpart banner reading, "To Liberate," was planned to be laid on the steps of City Hall.

"I wish it wasn't raining," Hanley said. He's been participating in May Day protests for the past six or seven years, and worker rights for immigrants have been his focus.

What Occupiers lacked in numbers on the rainy day they made up for in enthusiasm.

"We're really trying to be advocates for workers rights," said Steve Revilak, an Arlington resident who took the day off from work in spirit of May Day.

On their march from Copley Square, the group paused in front of the Boston Marriott Copley Place, chanting against for out-of-state workers involved in the hotel's renovation project.

What do we want? Workers rights!

When do we want them? Now!