"Our voices count:" March for immigrant, workers' rights in Milwaukee on 'May Day'

MILWAUKEE -- "May Day" (May 1st) is also known as International Workers Day, and is a celebration of workers' rights. In the early 19th Century, labor movements were fighting for things like eight-hour work days and the right to unionize. On Sunday, May 1st, there were demonstrations around the world and here in Milwaukee -- as some worker still don't have equal rights.

May Day 2016 marked the 10th year demonstrators marched in Milwaukee in support of immigrant and workers' rights.

The immigrant rights organization Voces de la Frontera on Sunday organized a march from Milwaukee's south side to the downtown Milwaukee County Courthouse.

"Our voices count and marching helps people know that," Nury Plascencia said.

"The Latino community is present -- and we are not going anywhere. We are a strong labor force in this community," Kennia Coronado said.

For a decade, Voces de la Frontera officials have organized this May Day march to show the will of Milwaukee's immigrant and Latino residents and speak out against certain legislation as it comes along.

In April, Governor Scott Walker signed Senate Bill 533, which states that an ID card issued by a city or a county cannot be used for voting.

"We supporting workers' rights, students' rights and as well as immigrant rights," Veronica Velazquez said.

Velazquez was in the front for this march, along with classmates from Racine Horlick High School.

"We're hear to make a change. We're here to make our voices heard," Velazquez said.

Voces de la Frontera is a strong opponent of Senate Bill 533.

"Recently in Wisconsin, because of anti-immigrant legislation, our community turned out in higher numbers," Coronado said.

The group gathered Sunday on S. 5th Street and then marched toward the courthouse.

Governor Walker signed Senate Bill 533 last week. He said the big reason was "uniformity."

Supporters say the law reduces confusion and fraud and promotes consistency.