Also known as International Workers' Day, May Day originated in the 1880s as a protest to the eight-hour workday. Centuries later, workers from all over the world use May 1 as an opportunity to continue the fight for better wages, improved working conditions and other workers' rights.
In the midst of a debt crisis, countries all across Europe rallied to address the divisive belt-tightening policies. In Greece, which is in its sixth year of recession, unions protested high unemployment, leaving the country without ferry or train service. Banks and hospitals were also short workers today. Hundreds of planned rallies are also expected to take place in central Athens.
Meanwhile, about 50,000 protesters took to the main shopping strip of Madrid, Spain, to challenge European austerity and their unemployment rate, which is a staggering 27%. Another virtually shut-down city, Istanbul, Turkey, is short buses, ferries and subways, and road closures have restricted car traffic.
In parts of Asia, such as Cambodia, Taiwan and Singapore, workers joined together to fight for salary increases and protest against government policies and income inequality. Rallies are also planned within the US as Occupy Los Angeles is accepted to draw at least 30,000 people.
Are May Day protests happening in your area? Comment below.