Workers demand jobs, better pay on May Day

Germany: Hundreds of thousands of workers marched, rallied and protested in cities throughout the world from Jakarta, Indonesia, to Istanbul, Turkey, Saturday to mark international worker’s day, demanding more jobs, better work conditions and higher wages.

In Berlin, Germany, thousands also used the May Day celebration to protest against the actions of neonazi groups, followers of the ultra right wing National Democratic Party (NDP).

About 140,000 jubilant workers gathered in Istanbul’s Taksim Square in the first celebrations since gatherings were banned at the site since dozens of people died in a May 1 gathering more than three decades ago.

In Athens, Greece witnessed riots, with police using tear gas to disperse demonstrators who threw firebombs and stones in a large May Day rally against austerity measures. In Switzerland, Zurich police also used water cannons in an attempt to disperse dozens of stone-throwing protesters as unions and politicians protested against “excessive” Swiss banking bonuses.

In Jakarta, Indonesia, workers shout slogans during a May Day rally. Tens of thousands of workers thronged the streets of other Asian cities Saturday in annual May Day marches, demanding job creation and minimum wage hikes.

On the Western Hemisphere, thousands of workers in Caracas, Venezuela, celebrated May Day and the achievements the Bolivarian revolution has attained in 11 years of the President Hugo Chavez’ Government.

Farmers, builders, workers from the oil, communication, education, health and science sectors, as well as fishermen and civil servants congregated in downtown Caracas for the occasion.

Berlin, Prensa Latina