What to know about May Day demonstrations around the world
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- On May Day, activists worldwide held rallies and protests demanding peace, higher wages, and better working conditions amid rising energy costs and inflation linked to the Iran war.
- Demonstrations took place globally, from Manila and Jakarta to European capitals and U.S. cities, with workers criticizing government policies and economic hardships, including rising fuel prices and shrinking purchasing power.
- In France, May Day remains a highly protected public holiday with most businesses closed, sparking controversy over proposed legislation to allow work for certain sectors like bakeries and florists.
- In the U.S., May Day protests focused on opposition to President Trump’s policies, including calls for boycotts and demands for immigrant rights and taxing the wealthy.
- The origins of International Workers’ Day trace back to 1886 Chicago labor struggles advocating for an eight-hour workday, commemorated by a monument at Haymarket Square honoring workers worldwide.
