Many people across Asia marched and held a protest to mark International Labor Day, or May Day, that is observed worldwide. This day is celebrated for the economic and social achievements of workers as well as their fight for laborers’ rights.
During the International Workers’ Day rally in Taipei, medical workers wore PPE, and other workers held placards as they marched in front of the presidential office building. The rally gathered some 4,000 people from various labor groups who demanded that the government provide workers with better working hours and raises in pay.
Labor unions and worker organizations in Indonesia held a rally on International Workers’ Day to demand higher pay and respect for basic labor rights. They raised their hands while holding flags, placards, and smoke flares.
Thai workers raised a banner demanding a nationwide minimum wage rise during a May Day demonstration in Bangkok, Thailand. Various groups of Thai and migrant workers marched for better welfare, better working and living conditions, an end to sexual harassment in the workplace, a higher minimum wage, and equal rights for migrant workers. Thai police officers stayed on guard as the workers demonstrated.
Activists from the Pakistan Food Workers Federation marched in Karachi, Pakistan, for World Labor Day, holding torches and banners and chanting slogans.
In Bangalore, India, workers and trade union members gathered to commemorate International Workers’ Day. Brinda Karat, head of the Communist Party of India (CPI), joined other trade union workers in celebrating Workers’ Day.
A rally was held to commemorate International Worker’s Day in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Participants reacted near the placard and wore a “May Day” scarf during the rally.
Filipino protesters marched during a protest rally along a road to mark Labor Day in Manila, the Philippines. Anti-riot police blocked protesters who were demanding higher wages and full respect for fundamental labor rights.
Members of a labor rights organization in Dhaka, Bangladesh, shouted slogans as they took part in a rally marking International Workers’ Day.