Workers across the world are set to take to the streets on Friday, demanding peace, higher wages, and better working conditions as rising energy prices linked to the Iran war squeeze household budgets.
Observed as a public holiday in many countries, May Day is expected to see large rallies in major cities, with some demonstrations historically turning tense.
Labour groups say workers should not bear the cost of geopolitical conflict. The European Trade Union Confederation, representing unions across 41 countries, said workers will resist any erosion of jobs and living standards driven by the crisis.
In the United States, activists critical of President Donald Trump’s policies are planning marches and boycotts.
A sharp rise in fuel costs is likely to dominate the protests. In Manila, organisers expect strong turnout, warning that soaring energy prices are worsening economic hardship. Labour leaders said workers are increasingly linking domestic struggles to the broader global crisis.
