South Korean and Filipino Workers Rally on May Day for Better Working Conditions and Labor Rights

On May 1, 2024, thousands of workers and activists throughout Asia are participating in May Day rallies to protest rising prices, government labor policies, and demand greater labor rights on International Labor Day. In Seoul, South Korea, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) led a rally criticizing the conservative government's 'anti-labor policies' under President Yoon Suk Yeol, including his veto of a bill limiting companies' rights to seek compensation for damages caused by strikes.

The protesters in Seoul denounced the government's handling of recent strikes and vowed to bring down the Yoon Suk Yeol administration. They sang, waved flags, and shouted pro-labor slogans, highlighting their concerns over the government's labor policies and the need for better working conditions.

In Manila, Philippines, hundreds of workers and left-wing activists marched to demand wage increases and job security amid soaring food and oil prices. Some protesters also rallied against a government modernization program that could remove their mode of public transport, the dilapidated jeepneys. Filipino workers from various labor groups carried streamers and posters near the presidential palace, advocating for their rights and economic welfare.

Why this matters: The May Day rallies across Asia underscore the ongoing struggles of workers and labor movements in the face of rising costs of living, government policies, and the fight for greater labor rights. These demonstrations emphasize the importance of addressing workers' concerns and the need for governments to prioritize the well-being of their labor force.

Similar May Day rallies were held in more than 10 locations across South Korea and in other Asian cities like Tokyo, where over 10,000 people gathered to demand salary increases to offset price hikes. The rallies and protests on May Day 2024 serve as a platform for workers and activists to voice their economic and political grievances, stressing the significance of labor rights and the challenges faced by workers in the current global climate.

Key Takeaways

• Thousands of workers across Asia protested on May Day 2024 for labor rights.
• In Seoul, protesters criticized the government's 'anti-labor policies' under President Yoon.
• In Manila, workers marched for wage increases and job security amid rising prices.
• May Day rallies emphasized the ongoing struggles of workers and labor movements.
• Similar protests were held in over 10 locations across South Korea and other Asian cities.