Activists worldwide are marching in May Day rallies today, demanding peace, higher wages and better working conditions as workers grapple with rising energy costs and shrinking purchasing power linked to the Iran war. The day is a public holiday in many countries, with demonstrations expected in major cities globally.
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), representing 93 trade union organisations in 41 European countries, stated: 'Working people refuse to pay the price for Donald Trump’s war in the Middle East. Today’s rallies show working people will not stand by and see their jobs and living standards destroyed.'
In the Philippines, protest organisers in Manila expect large crowds. 'There will be a louder call for higher wages and economic relief because of the unprecedented spikes in fuel prices,' said Renato Reyes of the left-wing group Bayan. Josua Mata of the SENTRO labour federation added: 'Every Filipino worker now is aware that the situation here is deeply connected to the global crisis.'
In Indonesia, labour unions warned of worsening economic pressures. 'Workers are already living paycheck to paycheck,' said Said Iqbal of the Indonesian Trade Union Confederation. In Pakistan, May Day is a public holiday but many daily wage earners cannot afford time off. 'How will I bring vegetables and other necessities home if I don’t work?' asked Mohammad Maskeen, a 55-year-old construction worker near Islamabad. Rising oil prices have fuelled inflation estimated at about 16% in the country.
In France, unions called for demonstrations under the slogan 'bread, peace and freedom,' linking workers’ concerns to conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. A recent parliamentary proposal to expand work on May Day prompted outcry. 'Don’t touch May Day,' unions said in a joint statement. The government introduced a bill to allow work for bakeries and florists. Small and Medium-sized Businesses Minister Serge Papin said: 'May 1 is not just any day. It symbolizes social gains stemming from a century of building social rules.'
In Italy, the government approved nearly 1 billion euros in job incentives to promote stable employment and curb labour abuses. Opposition parties dismissed the package as 'pure propaganda.' In Portugal, proposed labour law changes sparked a general strike last year, with unions saying the proposals would weaken workers’ rights. In the United States, where May Day is not a federal holiday, the coalition May Day Strong has called for protests and boycotts.
