Overview
- Workers in many countries rallied Friday for International Labour Day, with unions pressing for wage hikes and stronger safety nets as energy prices rise.
- In the United States, the May Day Strong coalition mounted a one‑day economic blackout urging no school, no work, no shopping to oppose policies seen as favoring billionaires.
- Police in Istanbul blocked access to Taksim Square, used tear gas and water cannon, and detained hundreds who tried to march in restricted zones.
- Chicago marked the day with large marches after Chicago Public Schools and the teachers union set a districtwide day of civic action backed by the mayor.
- Bangladesh’s new Labor Amendment Act, finalized in April, now moves to enforcement, with the ILO praising its principles and urging swift operational follow‑through.