On 1 May 2025, trade unions and workers across the Asia-Pacific region mobilised in powerful displays of unity, struggle, and solidarity — highlighting their demands, celebrating hard-won gains, and recommitting to the fight for labour rights and justice.
In a landmark show of strength and solidarity, around 200,000 workers gathered in Jakarta for one of the largest and most unified Labour Day rallies in Indonesia’s recent history. Organised jointly by the country’s major trade union centres affiliated with the ITUC–Asia Pacific, the event marked a historic milestone as the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, attended in person — a first in the nation's May Day commemorations in 60 years. The President’s presence signalled an unprecedented recognition and respect for the country’s labour movement.
Also present at the rally was Shoya Yoshida, General Secretary of ITUC-Asia Pacific, who joined Indonesian workers in celebrating this momentous occasion. “This year’s May Day celebration is truly historic,” he said in his address to the crowd. “The President’s attendance is a powerful testament to the government's commitment to the future and well-being of workers in Indonesia.”
Amidst ongoing efforts to revise Indonesia’s labour law following a Constitutional Court ruling, Shoya Yoshida emphasised the need for collaboration: “It is crucial that we collaborate with the Government and Employers to develop a new labour law that is fair, inclusive, and protects the fundamental rights of all workers.”
He praised the unity of Indonesian unions, stating:
“May Day is not just a celebration but a symbol of the struggle and solidarity of workers. Today’s celebration would not have been possible without that unity.”
The event not only honoured workers’ contributions but reinforced the critical role of collective action in shaping fairer labour policies for Indonesia’s future.
Under the banner of the National Wage Coalition, which includes ITUC-Asia Pacific affiliates, trade unions marked the International Labour Day with urgent calls for wage hikes. Trade unions and workers’ coalitions mobilised for a march and rallied nationwide, urging government action on their demand for a living wage amid surging costs of living.
Singapore’s May Day Rally brought together 1,600 union leaders and partners to celebrate 60 years of nation-building with workers. The event reaffirmed commitments to support all workers—especially low-wage, older, and mid-career workers—through skills development, job placement, and wage support, ensuring no one is left behind.
In Japan, May Day 2025 was marked by a renewed commitment to the core values of peace and democracy. Honouring past struggles and renew determination to advance justice, Tomoko Yoshino, JTUC-RENGO President said:
“There is no day like today that truly makes us feel the meaning of ‘No labour movement without peace’ and ‘No labour movement without democracy.’ Let this May Day be an occasion to show our respect and gratitude to our predecessors, and for us living in the present to renew our determination to continue striving for peace into the future.”
Despite the rain, thousands of South Korean workers gathered to demand stronger labour protections, a higher minimum wage, and improved public services. The mass mobilisation demonstrated unwavering commitment to fight against inequality and precarious work.
In Pakistan, International Labour Day was observed through powerful rallies and a national convention led by union federations. Workers raised demands for fair wages, decent work, and stronger occupational safety and health (OSH) protections, reaffirming their collective call for justice and dignity at work.
Nepalese workers commemorated International Labour Day with rallies and events in Kathmandu and across the country. Trade unions honoured the historic achievement of the eight-hour workday, while continuing to advocate for stronger labour protections in today’s context.
The Fiji Trades Union Congress used May Day to highlight its campaign for a national minimum wage of $6 per hour and the urgent need to amend the Employment Relations Act. Workers were urged to exercise their right to unionise and to continue the fight for safe, fair, and dignified work.
Workers across New Zealand united under the theme Fight Back Together, gathering at May Day hui to call for fair treatment, better working conditions, and stronger rights. The events stressed the power of collective action in driving meaningful change.
Workers from across Türkiye gathered in Rize to mark International Labour Day with determination and hope. The celebrations focused on asserting workers’ rights and highlighting their essential role in national development — under the rallying message: Where there is work, there is hope.
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