Workers, activists, and various groups in Asian capitals and European cities demonstrated on Wednesday to commemorate May Day, protesting against escalating prices, government labor policies, and advocating for enhanced labor rights.
May Day, celebrated globally on May 1, is a significant day for workers' rights. It also provides a platform for expressing economic grievances and political demands. However, in Istanbul, authorities detained numerous individuals who attempted to reach the central Taksim Square, despite a government ban on holding Labor Day events there.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's administration has long prohibited rallies and demonstrations at Taksim, citing security concerns. Nevertheless, some political factions and trade unions pledged to march to the square, which holds symbolic importance for labor unions. The 1977 incident, where unidentified gunmen opened fire on a May Day gathering at Taksim, causing a stampede and resulting in 34 deaths, adds to its significance.
On Wednesday, police set up barricades and blocked all routes to the square, with public transport in the area also restricted. Only a small group of trade union representatives were permitted to enter the square to lay a wreath at a monument honoring the victims of the 1977 tragedy. Riot police apprehended approximately 30 members of the left-wing People's Liberation Party who tried to breach the barriers.
In Indonesia, workers expressed discontent with a new law they believe infringes on their rights and diminishes their welfare. They demanded protections for migrant workers abroad and an increase in the minimum wage. Around 50,000 workers from Jakarta's satellite cities were expected to join May Day marches in the capital.
In Seoul, South Korea, thousands of protesters gathered, singing, waving flags, and chanting pro-labor slogans. They criticized what they view as anti-labor policies of the conservative government led by President Yoon Suk Yeol. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions organized the rally to voice their dissatisfaction with the government's actions.
Similar May Day rallies were held in more than 10 locations across South Korea, with participants later marching through downtown streets. In Japan, over 10,000 people gathered in Tokyo's Yoyogi Park, demanding salary increases to counter rising prices. Participants expressed solidarity with workers worldwide standing up for their rights.
In Manila, Philippines, hundreds of workers and activists marched in the scorching heat, demanding wage increases and job security amid soaring food and oil prices. Riot police prevented the protesters from approaching the presidential palace. The protesters held up signs calling for lower prices and higher salaries, emphasizing the challenges faced by Filipino workers.
Associated Press journalists contributed to this report from various locations, including Jakarta, Ankara, Tokyo, and Manila.