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Protesters all around the world have gathered to mark May Day, the traditional date for demanding better workers’ rights.  

 

The protests first begain in Asia, with tens of thousands of workers in Jakarta calling for improved conditions and mobilising against government plans to cut fuel subsidies.  One reporter said “Everywhere I look I see demonstrating workers; this the biggest rally I’ve seen here.” Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono the President announced yesterday that fuel price will go up as it is heavily subsidesd. 

 

Istanbul’s Takism Square was in lockdown on Wednesday, after the Turkish government bannded May Day protests there.  In 1977 the square was the setting for the May Day massacre in which dozens of people died under disputed circumstances.  A report from Istanbul said “There have scuffles, particularly in areas that lead to Taksim Square.”

 

Garment factory workers in Phnom Pehn the Cambodian capital are demanding higher wages and better working conditions.  Protesters came from 16 unions and associations which took their numbers up to about 5,000 demonstrators. 

Public and private sector unions called a 24 hour strike to protest the government’s austerity policies in Athens Greece.  They have had to enforce tax rises and spending cuts as part of deals with the International Monetary Fund and its eurozone partners to overcome their crippling debt crisis.  15,000 civil servants will be out of work by the end of next year, do to a bill approved by parliament on Sunday. 

 

In Moscow, authorities sanctioned 16 separate rallies, including one led by Vladimir Putin’s ruling United Russia party.  Other groups, including the Communist Party, are holding gatherings of their own. Up to 90,000 people are expected.