Labor activists commemorated May 1 with rallies and street protests across the globe, demanding higher wages and better working conditions. International Workers' Day, a public holiday in many countries, saw unions leading demonstrations against inequality and government policies.

This year's Labor Day comes amid rising energy costs and shrinking purchasing power triggered by the Iran war, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and the working class.

In Turkey, police clashed with demonstrators attempting to reach Istanbul's Taksim Square, using tear gas and water cannons. Hundreds were arrested, and metro stations and roads were closed. Taksim, a symbolic site for labor movements, has been effectively off-limits for May Day rallies since 2012.

In Germany, workers protested in Berlin and other cities against government plans to cut healthcare and social security benefits. The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) organized hundreds of rallies under the slogan "Our jobs first, your profits second."

DGB President Yasmin Fahimi warned at the main rally in Nuremberg: "Anyone who attacks the level of pension provision is provoking a major social conflict. We are capable of mobilizing against this pension theft, and we will fight it off."

In Argentina, workers marched against President Javier Milei's overhaul of labor protections, which rolled back generous guarantees dating to 1974. CGT leader Octavio Arguello told crowds: "We want to say to this government, enough is enough. Our patience has run out, Mr. President."

Source: www.dw.com