Global Workers and Activists Rally on May Day for Increased Rights and Wages

Workers and activists across Europe and Asia took to the streets on May Day to demand greater labor rights and better working conditions. From Athens to Jakarta, protesters raised their voices in solidarity with workers around the world.

In Greece, thousands of protesters marched in Athens, demanding a return to collective bargaining after labor rights were stripped during the country’s financial crisis. Pro-Palestinian groups also joined the rallies, showing support for Palestinian students in the United States.

In Paris, France, unions led a march calling for improved pay and working conditions. Anti-Olympics activists and pro-Palestinian groups also joined the demonstration ahead of the Summer Games in the city.

Meanwhile, in South Korea, thousands of protesters criticized President Yoon Suk Yeol’s government for pursuing what they called anti-labor policies. Union leaders vowed to bring down the government if necessary to protect workers’ rights.

In Japan, more than 10,000 people gathered in Tokyo to demand higher salaries to offset rising prices. The leader of the National Confederation of Trade Unions highlighted the widening income disparities caused by stagnant wages.

From Manila to Jakarta, workers called for minimum wage increases and better protections for laborers. In the Philippines, protesters were stopped by riot police from reaching the presidential palace, while in Indonesia, workers chanted slogans against new labor laws during a march to the main sports stadium in Jakarta.

Overall, May Day 2024 was marked by a global wave of protests and demonstrations, with workers and activists united in their calls for fair treatment and respect for labor rights.