From Tokyo to Turin, Trump’s Policies Loom Over May Day Marches
The holiday, also known as International Workers’ Day or Labor Day, honors the struggles and achievements of workers and the labor movement. Rallies are expected across the United States, including major cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Philadelphia.
Across multiple countries, Trump’s agenda was cited as a source of concern. In the United States, organizers said their message this year focused on countering Trump’s approach targeting immigrants, federal workers, and diversity initiatives.
In Taiwan, officials pointed to U.S. tariffs under Trump as a significant worry. President Lai Ching-te promoted a proposed spending bill aimed at stabilizing the job market and supporting livelihoods. In the Philippines, a protest leader cautioned that “tariff wars and policies from Trump” threatened local industries.
In Japan, Trump’s image loomed over the day quite literally, with a truck in the Tokyo march carrying a doll made to resemble him. Protesters’ demands ranged from higher wages and gender equality to healthcare, disaster relief, a ceasefire in Gaza, and an end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“For our children to be able to live with hope, the rights of workers must be recognized,” said Junko Kuramochi, a member of a mothers’ group in Tokyo.
Tadashi Ito, a union construction worker, expressed concern about rising prices for imported raw materials.
“Everybody is fighting over work and so the contracts tend to go where the wages are cheapest,” he said. “We think peace comes first. And we hope Trump will eradicate conflict and inequalities.”
In Taipei, about 2,500 Taiwanese union members began a march at the presidential office, representing sectors from fisheries to telecommunications. Protesters warned that Trump’s tariffs could cost jobs.
“This is why we hope that the government can propose plans to protect the rights of laborers,” said union leader Carlos Wang.
President Lai shared that his government had introduced a substantial bill to support industry and stabilize the job market.
In Manila, thousands of Filipino workers marched near the presidential palace, facing police barricades. The protesters demanded higher wages and stronger protections for local jobs and businesses.
In Indonesia, President Prabowo Subianto addressed thousands in Jakarta, promising to work towards eradicating poverty. Around 200,000 Indonesian workers were expected to participate in May Day marches, demanding an end to outsourcing rules, wage increases, and protection for both domestic and migrant workers.
In Turkey, May Day highlighted not only labor rights but also broader calls for upholding democratic values. Demonstrators planned protests against the jailing of Istanbul’s opposition mayor, an issue that sparked significant protests. Authorities blocked access to central areas and shut down transit lines, with reports of over 200 arrests occurring near central protest points.
Los Angeles anticipated hosting one of the world’s largest May Day events, encapsulating the day’s theme: “One Struggle, One Fight — Workers Unite!”
“We’re bringing the fight to the billionaires and politicians who are trying to divide us with fear and lies. We know the truth — an attack on immigrant workers is an attack on all workers,” stated April Verrett, president of the Service Employees International Union, representing 2 million workers.
