May Day: Workers Unite Globally to Protest Trump’s Economic Agenda/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ May Day protests surged across the globe Thursday, with workers and activists condemning President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariffs and anti-labor policies. From Japan to Italy, demonstrators decried rising prices, job insecurity, and attacks on immigrants and unions. The rallies also highlighted broader calls for justice, peace, and economic equity.
May Day Protest Highlights: Quick Looks
- Global Focus: Protests in Tokyo, Turin, Paris, Taipei, and more
- Trump Impact: Tariffs and labor rollbacks cited as key grievances
- Worker Solidarity: Calls for wage hikes, job protection, labor rights
- Symbolism: Puppets, cutouts, and banners mocking Trump appear worldwide
- U.S. Marches: Major rallies in LA, NYC, Chicago, and Philadelphia
- Union Mobilization: SEIU and other global unions lead efforts
- Local Economies: Taiwan, Philippines brace for trade fallout
- Political Fusion: Labor protests merge with pro-democracy movements
- Istanbul Tensions: Arrest of opposition mayor fuels broader unrest
- Cultural Tradition: May 1 rooted in 19th-century U.S. labor struggle
May Day: Workers Unite Globally to Protest Trump’s Economic Agenda
Deep Look
Workers Across Continents Rally Against Trump’s Trade Agenda on May Day
PARIS — Tens of thousands took to the streets worldwide on Thursday in annual May Day demonstrations, this year dominated by backlash to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff-driven trade agenda and broader concerns about economic stability, labor rights, and social justice.
From puppet parades in Italy to labor-led marches in Taiwan, protesters echoed a common refrain: the Trump administration’s policies are hurting workers and fueling global inequality.
In France, union leaders accused world leaders of following the “Trumpization” of global politics, warning that policies rooted in nationalism, deregulation, and corporate favoritism undermine decades of labor progress.
In Italy’s northern city of Turin, demonstrators marched behind a towering puppet caricature of Trump, symbolizing what they view as the disproportionate influence U.S. policies have on global labor markets.
And in Germany, union officials sounded alarms over expanding workdays, shrinking protections, and growing xenophobia, much of which they link to transatlantic political influence.
In Asia: Trade Woes and Local Fallout
In Taiwan, President Lai Ching-te acknowledged the risks posed by Trump’s new round of tariffs, announcing a multibillion-dollar economic stabilization plan. Taiwanese union leaders carried signs warning that trade disruption could result in massive job losses, while one union paraded a cardboard car mounted with a Trump photo.
“We need to shield our workers from the fallout of global instability,” said Carlos Wang, a telecom union official.
In Tokyo, protestors called for everything from peace in Gaza and Ukraine to better labor laws and gender equity. A Trump-like figure was paraded through the city in a mock campaign truck, drawing both cheers and criticism.
“Trump may think he’s fixing America, but the ripple effects are hurting workers around the globe,” said Junko Kuramochi, a Tokyo organizer and mother.
In the Philippines, demonstrators packed streets near the presidential palace in Manila. Protest leader Mong Palatino warned: “Tariff wars and Trump’s economic chaos threaten small businesses and the entire workforce of Southeast Asia.”
In Indonesia, President Prabowo Subianto addressed a massive rally at Jakarta’s National Monument Park. “We will eliminate poverty,” he vowed, though unions there demanded more — including wage increases, an end to outsourcing, and protections for migrant workers.
Istanbul and the Fight for Democracy
In Turkey, May Day protests focused not only on labor but also democracy. Thousands gathered to denounce the March imprisonment of Istanbul’s opposition mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, an arrest seen as politically motivated. Riot police clashed with demonstrators near Taksim Square, detaining more than 200 protesters by midday.
“May Day is now a fight for democracy as well as workers’ rights,” said attorney Eda Akgül, who was among those detained near the square.
U.S. Focus: Immigration, Wages, and Equity
In the United States, May Day took on heightened urgency. Organizers in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia focused on Trump’s crackdown on immigrants, cuts to federal worker protections, and attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Los Angeles is set to host the nation’s largest May Day demonstration, with unions and community leaders united under banners reading: “One Struggle, One Fight — Workers Unite!”
April Verrett, president of the SEIU, emphasized the stakes: “We’re bringing the fight to the billionaires and politicians trying to divide us with fear and lies. An attack on immigrant workers is an attack on all workers.”
In New York, the ACLU and other advocacy groups highlighted economic inequality and tenant rights, while in Chicago, immigrant rights leaders warned that Trump’s deportation push is driving fear underground in sanctuary cities.
“We’ve seen this before,” said Chicago organizer Omar Lopez. “But this time, we’re linking arms with every union, teacher, nurse, and worker ready to resist.”
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