Rallies under way as workers gather for International Labour Day
Workers around the world are holding rallies to mark International Labour Day, with demonstrations in cities such as Istanbul, Manila, Buenos Aires, and Havana highlighting concerns over labor rights, rising energy prices, and the global economic outlook. Protests have focused on demands for higher wages, economic relief, and opposition to policies perceived as favoring the wealthy amid fears of a global recession. In some locations, including Istanbul, demonstrations turned confrontational as police clashed with protesters.
- ▪Labour Day protests occurred globally, including in the Philippines, Turkey, Argentina, Cuba, and the United States, with participants demanding better wages and labor protections.
- ▪The European Trade Union Confederation criticized the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran and rising living costs, linking them to threats against workers' livelihoods.
- ▪In Argentina, workers protested President Javier Milei's labor reforms, while in the Philippines, leaders connected local struggles to global economic crises.
- ▪The International Trade Union Confederation reported that at least four corporate CEOs earned over $100 million last year, contrasting sharply with widespread job insecurity among workers.
- ▪Despite its historical roots in U.S. labor movements, May 1 is not a public holiday in the United States, though hundreds of protests were organized by the group May Day Strong.
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Economy|Labour RightsRallies under way as workers gather for International Labour DayLabour Day marches are being held as Iran war and rising energy prices threaten global economy.ListenListen (4 mins)SaveClick here to share on social mediashare-nodesSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogleAdd Al Jazeera on GoogleinfoProtesters stage a demonstration to mark International Labour Day in Manila, the Philippines, on May 1, 2026 [Jam Sta Rosa/AFP]By Al Jazeera Staff, AFP, Reuters and The Associated PressPublished On 1 May 20261 May 2026|Updated: 6 minutes agoUpdated: 6 minutes agoWorkers are gathering in cities around the world to mark International Labour Day, with some demonstrations, such as those in Istanbul, Turkiye, turning to scuffles with police.Trade Unions are calling for…
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