Workers are gathering in cities worldwide to mark International Labour Day, with some demonstrations, such as those in Istanbul, Turkey, turning into scuffles with police.
Trade unions are calling for solidarity and the protection of workers' rights as the US-Israeli war on Iran and rising energy costs raise concerns about the global economy.
The European Trade Union Confederation, representing 93 trade union organizations in 41 European countries, told media: "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."
Josua Mata, leader of the SENTRO umbrella group in the Philippines, said: "Every Filipino worker now is aware that the situation here is deeply connected to the global crisis." Renato Reyes of the left-wing group Bayan added: "There will be a louder call for higher wages and economic relief because of the unprecedented spikes in fuel prices."
In Indonesia, Said Iqbal, president of the Indonesian Trade Union Confederation, told reporters: "Workers are already living pay cheque to pay cheque."
Some of the largest demonstrations are being held in South America, including Chile, Bolivia, and Venezuela. In Argentina, angry workers protested in Buenos Aires over President Javier Milei's overhaul of long-held labour protections.
In Cuba, the foreign ministry held a gathering in defiance of what it called the US's "aggressions, threats, intensified blockade, and energy siege." Cubans are expected to mark the day with a mass rally in Havana.
In France, workers' unions using the slogan "bread, peace and freedom" called for protests in Paris and other cities.
In Gaza, Palestinian workers have cancelled May Day events due to the economic crisis caused by Israel's genocidal war. The Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions said about 550,000 workers across Gaza and the West Bank have no income.
The International Trade Union Confederation reported that at least four CEOs of major corporations each pocketed over $100 million in pay and bonuses last year, while many workers face potential job cuts.
Workers' rights coalitions are calling for urgent action to curb extreme wealth, including higher taxes on the wealthiest and limits on excessive executive pay.
While Labour Day began in the US in the 1880s, May 1 is not a public holiday there. However, the group May Day Strong has called for protests under the slogan "workers over billionaires," with hundreds of demonstrations planned across the country.
Source: www.aljazeera.com