A look at May Day protests as Iran war pushes up energy costs for workers
The day is a public holiday in many countries, and demonstrations, some of which have turned violent in the past, are expected in many of the world’s major cities.
Activists worldwide will march in May Day rallies Friday, calling for peace, higher wages, and better working conditions as many workers grapple with rising energy costs and shrinking purchasing power tied to the Iran war.
The day is a public holiday in many countries, and demonstrations, some of which have turned violent in the past, are expected in many of the world's major cities.
"Working people refuse to pay the price for Donald Trump's war in the Middle East," the European Trade Union Confederation, which represents 93 trade union organizations in 41 European countries, said. "Today's rallies show working people will not stand by and see their jobs and living standards destroyed."
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In the United States, activists opposing US President Donald Trump's policies are planning marches and boycotts.
Rising living costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East are expected to be a key theme in today's rallies.
In the Philippines' capital of Manila, protest organisers said they expect big crowds of workers.
"There will be a louder call for higher wages and economic relief because of the unprecedented spikes in fuel prices," Renato Reyes, a leader of the left-wing political group Bayan, told The Associated Press.
"Every Filipino worker now is aware that the situation here is deeply connected to the global crisis," said Josua Mata, leader of SENTRO, an umbrella group of labor federations.
