International Desk, (EFE).- Tens of thousands of workers across Asia took to the streets on Thursday to mark International Workers’ Day with rallies, protests, and calls for labor reform, higher wages, and job security, demands amplified by growing fears over the region’s economic stability amid trade tensions with the United States.
From Indonesia to South Korea, Labor Day marches drew factory workers, unions, farmers, and civil society groups concerned about rising inflation, job insecurity, and weakening labor protections in the wake of a global economic slowdown.
In Jakarta, police estimated over 50,000 workers gathered near the National Monument, calling on the government to repeal a controversial job creation law they say favors corporations over labor rights.
Protesters, clad in red, held banners reading “Reject Outsourcing” and “Raise Wages Now.”
In Kuala Lumpur, union leaders demanded better protections for migrant workers and condemned what they called the “outsourcing of responsibility” by multinational companies.
Many marchers linked local grievances to global trends, warning that increasing automation and trade instability were pushing workers further into precarity.
Demonstrations were also reported in Phnom Penh, where Cambodian garment workers rallied outside factories to demand safer working conditions, and in Manila, where Philippine labor groups slammed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s economic policies and called for the end of contractualization.
In Seoul, thousands marched toward the presidential office, protesting high youth unemployment and stagnant wages.
Union leaders also criticized growing US-China trade hostilities, which they say are worsening supply chain disruptions and threatening South Korean exports.
In Taipei, workers gathered outside the Ministry of Labor calling for more action to protect gig economy workers, while in Bangkok, Thai unions demanded a minimum wage hike and stronger labor inspections in factories.
Meanwhile, in Colombo, Sri Lankan trade unions used the day to criticize austerity measures imposed as part of an IMF bailout, warning that public sector layoffs and pension cuts were undermining the country’s fragile recovery.
In Shanghai, Labor Day was marked with vibrant light displays across the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Bund and Lujiazui, along with cultural events and the launch of the 2025 Shanghai Shopping Festival.
Unlike other Asian cities that saw labor protests, Shanghai focused on celebration.
The Labor Day events come as the region continues to navigate the fallout from US trade policies under United States President Donald Trump, whose return to the political spotlight has raised concerns of renewed tariffs and protectionism.
Analysts warn that Asia’s export-driven economies could be especially vulnerable if tensions escalate.
Despite scattered clashes, most rallies remained peaceful, with organizers vowing to continue pressing for workers’ rights in the months ahead. EFE
int-seo/mcd
