The marchers carried American flags and homemade signs with slogans such as "Resist", "Profit is theft", "Go get'em Gavin!", and "Democracy needs your courage". As they marched, they called out: "In America, what do we want? Justice! When do we want it? Now!" Passersby smiled. Some stopped to watch before continuing on their way. Some nodded. A few raised fists in quiet solidarity.

Why were people marching? Because, they said, a billionaire stranglehold on US politics is gutting the economy and trampling workers' rights, because justice delayed is justice denied, because even across an ocean, the urgency is palpable.

The first Labor Day was celebrated 5 September 1882 to coincide with the New York City gathering of the Knights of Labor amid calls for a shorter work day. It recognized the contributions of organized labor in the face of what was often fierce resistance. Traditionally a time for family picnics and end-of-summer weekends away, Labor Day this year became an occasion for renewed protest against the Trump administration and its aggressive anti-labor tactics -- in contrast to President Biden, often and rightly described as the most pro-union president since the New Deal, a description he gladly owned.

"I have lived in Sweden for 35 years, and this is the first time I have demonstrated," Williams said. "It has gotten that bad in the US. I can't stay silent anymore. I never thought in my wildest imagination that we would see what we are going through now."

Williams, who grew up in the US, lives in Malmö. "The US is moving backwards, not just into the 20th Century but into the 19th Century, when it comes to women's rights, science issues and putting people in camps without trial."

DA Skåne boasts 600 members, ranging from Americans like Williams who have lived in Sweden for decades to exchange students staying only for a semester or two. Previously focusing mainly on organizing afterworks, the chapter has switched into full-scale protest mode.