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Aschaffenburg
Together with other labour unions the Free Workers’ Union (FAU) Aschaffenburg came together for a May Day rally in the city center. Following the rally the FAU Aschaffenburg hosted a neighbourhood festival at Café Krèm.
Berlin
Comrades of the Free Workers’ Union (FAU) Berlin and Potsdam joined the revolutionary May Day rally in the city center of Berlin.
Brasilia
On the first of May, International Working Class Day, the FOB led activities and mobilisations in various parts of the Brazilian state with a message for the End of the 6×1 Scale, the End of Oppression in Proletarian Neighbourhoods, Freedom of Association, Land and Freedom and Reproductive Justice. In addition, in the face of the pandering and discrediting of state and social democratic trade unionism, we emphasised the need to build revolutionary trade unionism from the bottom up, based on direct action. […]
In addition to the marches and actions, such as those in Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, Belém and Fortaleza, many territories organised cultural activities and meetings of militants, in a bid to strengthen community ties and build a real alternative of mutual support and solidarity.
The FOB once again reminded us that the First of May is not a holiday, but a day of struggle and mourning. And it did so with the consistency of those who, more than a century later, are still committed to transforming society through direct action and self-management.
Comrades of the Free Workers’ Union (FAU) Cologne formed an own anarcho-syndicalist block at the traditional May Day rally in the city. With two banners they communicated their main messages: Organising from below against the attacks from above! Therefore: Join a fighting grassroot union!
Following the rally members of FAU Cologne moved to the Naturfreundehaus where around 250 people came together for a neighbourhood festival, which was organised together with a few other radical groups.
Conditions in Bangladesh are currently very challenging for actors of civil society. Nonetheless the Garment Workers’ Trade Union Center (GWTUC) arranged a rally in Dhaka to commemorate May Day.
Dresden
Close to 1 000 people joined the anarchist/ anarcho-syndicalist May Day rally in Dresden. It was organised by a local alliance of anarchist/ anarcho-syndicalist groups, incl. the Free Workers’ Union (FAU) Dresden.
FGWM & S2S
The Federation of General Workers Myanmar (FGWM) was declared illegal by the military junta after their coup in 2021. Since then many committee members had to flee the country and currently live in exile in Mae Sot (Thailand).
In Mae Sot they arranged a ceremony together with six other labour groups, including one local group, as well as the feminist initiative Sisters 2 Sisters to commemorate (Global) May Day. They talked about the currently most pressing challenges at workplaces, with a particular focus on migrant and female workers. Forced labour and female workers facing compulsory conscription were topics as well.
Furhermore factory workers displayed signs inside factories describing their working conditions. On the signs it says for example “Workers can only bear the burden of rising costs with a minimum wage of 20 000 MMK!”, “Stop the forced registration of independent unions!”, “Listen to the workers and ensure safe and humane working conditions!” as well as “Stop forced labour!” and “We proudly welcome 135th Labour Day!”.
Last but not least FGWM released this statement directed at factory owners, brands and fellow syndicalists worldwide:
The following report was submitted by Terra Liberta:
In Ceará (Northeast Brazil), the Popular Organization Terra Liberta and the Autonomous General Union of Education Workers of Ceará (SIGAE-CE) — both federated with FOB — held a joint activity in the Perimetral Community in the city of Fortaleza.
This gathering was a space to discuss the next steps in the struggle of this community, which has fought for three generations to remain on the land where they built their homes with their own hands. For decades, the Federal University of Ceará has claimed this land as its own, despite the fact that residents have lived there since before the university’s construction — many of them even worked in building its facilities.
We then discussed the meaning of May Day for us, in contrast with the meaning that the powerful try to sell us. We honored the memory of the Chicago martyrs and connected their struggle to the centuries-long martyrdom of Indigenous peoples in Brazil, who continue to be murdered. We called for the unity of all workers in the fight for land and freedom.
To close the gathering, we shared food brought by the community and enjoyed a lively bingo game that lifted the spirits of both the young and the elderly.
Freiburg
The Free Workers’ Union (FAU) Freiburg organised two info stalls – one at the labour union festival and another one at a self-organised street festival in the city center. A focal point was to raise awareness about the ongoing campaign in solidarity with workers in Myanmar, especially after the devestating earthquake in March 2025.
Gothenburg
A comrade of SAC Syndikalisterna in Gothenburg informs:
More than 2,000 people marched with the libertarian demonstration for may day in Gothenburg, amassing greater numbers than the social democrats and authoritarian parties together. As is the case every year, the day was started at the monument in remembrance of the Swedish international brigadeers for a joint show of force for all the different trade unions and movements.
Hannover
Members of the Free Workers’ Union (FAU) Hannover joined the main May Day rally in the city center.
Jena
The Free Workers’ Union (FAU) Jena enrichted the main May Day rally in the city with an own anarcho-syndicalist bloc. Furthermore some members supported the big FAU rally in Leipzig.
The feminist Dabindu Collective is now officially recognised as a labour union and therefore called Dabindu Collective Union. They arranged a rally in the northern part of Sri Lanka, in Kilinochchi and also held an indoor event to commemorate (Global) May Day.
To know more about their focal points, check out the May Day statement released by the Dabindu Collective Union:
Around 2 500 people joined the anarcho-syndicalist rally through Leipzig organised by the Free Workers’ Union (FAU) Leipzig together with some other anarchist groups. Congratulations!
Londrina
On the first of May, International Working Class Day, the FOB led activities and mobilisations in various parts of the Brazilian state with a message for the End of the 6×1 Scale, the End of Oppression in Proletarian Neighbourhoods, Freedom of Association, Land and Freedom and Reproductive Justice. In addition, in the face of the pandering and discrediting of state and social democratic trade unionism, we emphasised the need to build revolutionary trade unionism from the bottom up, based on direct action. […]
In cities such as Londrina, Paraná, the action of Alternativa Popular and its affiliated organisations (SIT, FAE and MAP) was impactful, with a strong demonstration for an end to the 6 x 1 scale. This activity showed not only the federation’s capacity to mobilise, but also the permanent growth of its membership and its presence in the territory. Although in Brazil and in the state of Paraná it is a marginal force, in Londrina the AP and its organisations have emerged as a reference point for the working class in the interior of Paraná and in the capital.
During the demonstrations and actions, the unions and organisations denounced the over-exploitation of labour, violence against the working class in the countryside and in the city, such as the case of the young people Kelvin and Wen.
Close to 200 people joined the anarchist rally in Lübeck organised by a local alliance, including Free Workers’ Union (FAU) Lübeck. It was also joined by a Kurdish liberation group and comrades of FAU Hamburg. Highlight of the rally was a performance by an antifa-choir on the market square of the city. Theme of the rally: Self-organised and anti-authoritarian against capitalism and all governments!
Various speeches were held, among others about the ongoing crowdfunding campaign in solidarity with (factory) workers in Myanmar after the devestating earthquake in March 2025, the need to a decrease in working hours and the increasing threat of fascism worldwide.
Around 250 people came together for the anarcho-syndicalist rally called by the Free Workers’ Union (FAU) Magdeburg with the theme “Class.Struggle.Culture.”. A focal point was the reduction in working hours without loss in pay. As part of the rally the rapper PTK and Sechser staged a concert. Once the concert was over the crowed moved as a protest rally from the district Sudenburg to the Altstadt of Magdeburg.
Milan
Members of USI-CIT joined May Day rallies in Parma, Trieste and Milan to commemorate (Global) May Day.
It was an unforgettable May Day that gave us a good push for the future days of struggle that await us, considering the hard times we are living in.
source: comrade Ivano who joined the rally in Milan
Munich
A local alliance comprising of the Free Workers’ Union (FAU) München, the (Queer)Feminist Strike München and the Solidarity Network Dachau organised a rally at the Weißenburger Platz. The common claim was: “The end of modesty”.
Nicosia
Comrades of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) in Nicosia report:
Around 70 workers from around the country defied the heavy rain and answered the call of the IWW-CyROC and other organisations for a revolutionary May 1st! The protest began with a pre-gathering at the historic Faneromenis square, and as soon as the weather permitted the march was on!
This year, however, the protest was more than a symbolic commemoration of the ongoing struggles of the working class. As is the duty of every demonstration in Cyprus these days, it was another declaration of the opposition against limiting the right to protest! Furthermore, on the way to the gathering place of the mainstream “leftist” trade union, lies Pieto cafe. Recently, a number of former workers (most of them refugees) have spoken out against the borderline criminal working conditions and the behaviour of the boss, Antonis Koupparis, a person known for his discriminatory opinions; even more recently, that same owner applauded the police raids against migrants in the area. […]
Well, the grassroots labour movement has little tolerance for such objectionable people. The march made a short stop outside the cafe, where the text with the testimonials against the company was read and distributed, amid deafening chants in support of migrant workers and jeers against shameful employers! […]
After enduring what seemed like an eternity of long speeches by professional officers reminiscing about the time when they were willing to actually fight for the working class, we took to the streets again, and reached the Ledra Palace crossing; there, at the old stadium of Cetinkaya, we joined the trade unions from the north, and distributed the last of our hundreds of flyers to their members!
The General Secretary of the All Pakistan Federation of United Trade Unions, Zia Syed, reports:
Workers in Pakistan face mounting challenges, from poverty wages and unsafe conditions to attacks on union rights. APFUTU leadership reaffirmed solidarity with workers, urging unions to stand united in the fight for living wages, safe workplaces, and the right to organize. As labour reforms and international standards are debated, the call for a worker-led push for justice is more urgent than ever. On May Day, APFUTU marched the streets of Gujrat, Multan, Layyah, shoulder to shoulder with thousands of workers, celebrating the struggles and victories of the workers’ movement. While marking the international labour day.
Paris
Comrades of CNT-F joined the main May Day rally in the city adding radical content.
Today, as has been the case since 2008, USI Parma organised a May Day celebration as part of the international Global May Day. In the morning, about 150 comrades marched through old Parma, arriving as far as the city centre where comrade Colby held a much-appreciated rally, in which history and current events constantly went hand in hand. In the afternoon, thanks to the collaboration of Parma Rude and Gallo Rosso as well as the anarchist group Cieri, there was the usual party with a concert in the Parco Pellegrini, and at least a thousand people came, demonstrating that working with coherence, continuity and responsibility pays off, and this year too there was a flood of young people. We believe that in the Italian panorama there are very few libertarian realities that are able to organise such complete, participated and autonomous days, not limiting ourselves to even respectable sections but also occupying squares for the whole day, and allow us to be very proud of what we are. Anarcho-syndicalism is passion, heart, brains, but also identity and pride. Long live USI!
Portland
Comrades of the Federation of Cascadian Anarchists and Syndicalists (FCAS) report:
Members of the Federation of Cascadian Anarchists & Syndicalists in Portland, Oregon spent the eve before International Workers Day on an effort of spreading awareness for both May Day and other ongoing peoples struggles. Comrades focused primarily on creating and distributing agitative propaganda, through the flyering of posters & creation of zines to be dispersed across the city.
Zine designs courtesy of CrimethInc. & Activate Grand Rapids SDS.
Rethymno
Comrades of anarcho-syndicalist ESE in Rethymno, Crete (Greece) joined the May Day rally in the city. Their banner says: “The state and bosses sow poverty and death, with organization and struggle we will win!”
On the first of May, International Working Class Day, the FOB led activities and mobilisations in various parts of the Brazilian state with a message for the End of the 6×1 Scale, the End of Oppression in Proletarian Neighbourhoods, Freedom of Association, Land and Freedom and Reproductive Justice. In addition, in the face of the pandering and discrediting of state and social democratic trade unionism, we emphasised the need to build revolutionary trade unionism from the bottom up, based on direct action. […]
During the demonstrations and actions, the unions and organisations denounced the over-exploitation of labour, violence against the working class in the countryside and in the city, such as the case of the young people Kelvin and Wen.
In addition to the marches and actions, such as those in Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, Belém and Fortaleza, many territories organised cultural activities and meetings of militants, in a bid to strengthen community ties and build a real alternative of mutual support and solidarity.
The FOB once again reminded us that the First of May is not a holiday, but a day of struggle and mourning. And it did so with the consistency of those who, more than a century later, are still committed to transforming society through direct action and self-management.
Comrades of FOB in São Paulo report on their (Global) May Day activity:
Yesterday afternoon, on the 1st of May, we carried out an act of leafleting and interventions in front of the São Matheus-SP Monorail. Engaging in dialogue and remembering this historic and important date for the working class.
Stockholm
Thousands of workers joined the May Day rally organised by SAC-Syndicalisterna in Stockholm. Among others flags with Joe Hill were displayed.
Stuttgart
The Free Workers’ Union (FAU) Stuttgart joined the main May Day rally in the city. Focal point was the struggle in the reduction of working hours to 30 hours per week.
FAU Stuttgart reports on its website:
On May Day, we, the FAU Stuttgart, were on the streets all day, as we are every year. The international day of struggle of the working class is one of the most important days of the year to rally for our dignity and our rights as workers. We would also like to remind everyone that May Day originated from the global movement for the eight-hour working day and that the reduction of working hours is still a hot topic, while the new government in Germany is even attacking it. The redistribution of wealth as a prerequisite for social justice was also part of our message this year. […]
That’s why we were at the central rally on the market square in front of Stuttgart City Hall from 10am. […] Our black and red banner with the inscription ‘We don’t have enough, ask the rich to pay!’ attracted attention there, as it was probably the only visible banner with a rather social revolutionary demand. At 11.30am we joined the DGB (mainstream unions) demo in the rear section with our black and red front banner ‘30-hour week for all! Less full time. More free time. Full wage equalisation’ and chanted class-struggle slogans throughout. This year, both banners also featured the One World One Struggle logo from the Global May Day campaign. This year, the demonstration led through the city centre, across the lively Schloßplatz and ended again on the market square at around 12.30pm. […]
After a short break to rest and recharge our batteries, we officially continued from 2pm with the May Day festival at the Gasparitsch district centre, where some of us took on helper shifts. As last year, we contributed a puppet show at 3.30pm with a new and again self-written play ‘Alles für die Katz’ (All for nothing) for young and old. Around 20 children and dozens of adults enthusiastically watched the almost half-hour play, which dealt with work stress, division and cohesion in the workplace as well as organising. We recorded it in its entirety this year (see link at the end). Afterwards, we made the stage and puppets available to the childcare centre so that the children could tell their own stories with them. […]
At the end of the day, we took part in the evening demonstration, which led from the district centre to Ostendplatz, where a rally took place shortly after 5pm, in which we visibly participated with strike waistcoats, flags and our front banner. However, our most important contribution there was once again a successful, militant and intelligible speech. In it, we addressed the current situation and emphasised that it is not enough to dream of a better world or demonstrate on May Day, but that we have to start in the factories/ work places and organise with our colleagues there. You can break one finger, but five fingers make a fist!
Comrades of USI-CIT didn’t just join May Day rallies in Parma and Milan, but also rallied in Trieste to commemorate (Global) May Day.
Tübingen
Comrades of the Free Workers’ Union (FAU) Tübingen report:
The Tübingen-Reutlingen section of FAU took part in the main May Day demonstration. We joined in the anti-authoritarian block. We had a good sound system with which we announced our slogans. One new creation was: ‘We want more pay. Class instead of nation.’ (original: “Wir woll’n mehr Lohn. Klasse statt Nation.”)
We had an info stall at the destination of the rally. My personal highlight was a conversation with a 75-year-old anarchist from a nearby town who we hadn’t met before. It’s always exciting to meet such old comrades.
In the afternoon we organised a very nice party together with other groups (SDS, Ende Gelände Tübingen, the anti-authoritarian meeting and the house project Lu 15). Three bands performed. There was Küfa (kitchen for all).
In the afternoon we gave a talk about syndicalism. The participants enjoyed it very much.
Many thanks also to FAU comrades in Stuttgart for sharing the design for the high-banner and ordering it for us.
Uppsala
Comrades of SAC-Syndicalisterna organised a revolutionary May Day rally in Uppsala.
Valparaiso
An excerpt of Anarchist May Day in Valparaiso as shared by the FLORⒶ:
A day of commemoration that reminds us and brings us back to the present the historical struggles of our class for better living conditions. Struggles that today seem more necessary than ever when we see the precariousness of our lives and our material conditions. No matter how hard we work and work, we can never get enough. The rent, the bus, the supermarket, the pharmacy, the exams, the overdue bill. We produce everything and we are left with nothing. Only the anguish of always living on the edge. But the hardships are not the fault of other poor people, nor of migrants. It is the fault of the same old bosses, of the big businessmen who own the water, the land and the capital, of the families who own Chile, of the oppressive class as a whole. Of that rancid and decadent minority, accustomed to their lives of luxury at the expense of the labour of millions. These are the enemies of the people, let us make no mistake. Today, as every day of the year, we are present in the struggle to dismantle this system of death and put life back at the centre. To wrest from the State and the administrators of misery our right to a full and joyful life. Access to a decent home, healthy food, care and healthy rest. Access to a happy childhood for our kids and a peaceful old age for our old people. Long live direct action, neighbourhood assemblies, strikes and land seizures, long live housing committees and organisations in defence of territories and life. Death to the state, the political parties and the trade unions of capital! Death to fascism and to the social democracy that clears the way for it. This new Mayday reminds us that we have nothing to expect from them and that we must build our own force capable of confronting them and winning. This Mayday reminds us that it is vital to trust again in our own capacities to transform everything and to build a new world.
Long live the anarchist martyrs of Mayday. Long live the struggles of the working and oppressed class.
