Global May Day rallies push for peace and higher wages amid inflation
May Day protests around the world focused on peace, higher wages, and better working conditions as rising energy costs and inflation tied to the Iran war bite households. Rallies and demonstrations spilled into cities from Paris, Manila, Jakarta and Istanbul to European capitals and U.S. towns, with unions urging governments to shield workers from price shocks, address tax and labor issues, and resist war-driven economic strain. In France, debates over working on May Day sparked government action and public outcry, while other countries highlighted wage protections, job incentives, and labor rights amid the broader geopolitical tensions.
