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27 Apr 2024 | 05:36 AM UTC

Asia-Pacific: Rallies likely in multiple areas of the Asia-Pacific region for International Workers' Day May 1

Rallies likely in several Asia-Pacific territories for Labor Day holiday May 1. Tight security, disruptions likely.

Informational

Commemorative rallies will occur in multiple territories across the Asia-Pacific in the lead-up to, during, and immediately after the International Workers' Day (May/Labor Day) holiday May 1. Most gatherings will likely pass peacefully, though well-attended demonstrations may prompt security deployment and limited localized traffic disruptions in downtown areas. Examples of planned events for May 1 that are likely to have high attendance levels include:

  • Australia: Protesters will march from Belmore to Hyde Park in Sydney at 10:30 and rally at the Tradies building in Canberra at 18:00. Additional marches will occur between Lowden Square and Crown Street Mall in Wollongong from 10:00 May 4 and between the Newcastle Museum to the Newcastle Tram Sheds from 09:30 May 5.

  • Bangladesh: Supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will likely rally near their central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka.

  • Indonesia: Over 50,000 members of the All Indonesia Trade Union Confederation (KSPSI) will gather outside the State Palace in Jakarta and march to the Gelora Bung Karno Sports Palace 09:30-12:30. Other rallies will take place in Medan City and 28 other urban centers in North Sumatra Province, as well as outside the Indonesian Employers' Association (APINDO), Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Daerah (DPRD), and governor's offices in Central Java Province's Semarang City.

  • Japan: The General Union of Japan will hold a rally from 10:00 in Hibiya Park in Tokyo and from 13:30 in Nakanoshima Park in Osaka.

  • Malaysia: The May 1 Secretariat, a group of organizations led by the Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM), will lead a march from Dataran Maybank to Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur.

  • New Zealand: The First Union group plans to hold protests at the Britomart Te Komitilanga in Auckland, Midland Park in Wellington, and the Bridge of Remembrance in Christchurch at 12:00.

  • Philippines: Worker unions will hold large demonstrations at or near public squares and government buildings in cities; the highest attendance is likely in Metro Manila, where popular gathering spots include Mendiola Street, the Malacanang Palace, Mabuhay/Welcome roundabout, and Quezon Memorial Circle. Other announced venues include the Iloilo Capitol Grounds.

  • Singapore: The Workers Make Possible community plans to protest at Hong Lim Park 15:00-19:00.

  • South Korea: The Federation of Korean Trade Unions will hold a rally in front of the National Assembly Building in Yeoui-dong, Seoul, at 13:30.

  • Sri Lanka: Various political parties plan to gather across the country. The largest events will occur in Colombo; over 110,000 people will attend a rally led by the ruling United National Party (UNP) near the P. D. Sirisena Stadium in Colombo's Maligawatte from 14:00. Other events in Colombo include rallies at the Ananda Samarakoon open theatre, Campbell Park, Vihara Mahadevi park, as well as marches between Maligakanda to Hyde Park from 13:00. The National People's Power (NPP) party will hold marches in Anuradhapura, Colombo, Jaffna, and Mattara districts.

  • Taiwan: The May Day Alliance plans a march from 12:30 from the Presidential Palace to the Legislative Yuan building 12:30-15:00.

  • Thailand: Unionized workers will gather at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre 09:00-20:00.

Other unannounced demonstrations, including strikes and protests over worker rights and labor policies, are possible. Increased security measures and associated localized transport disruptions are possible around gathering venues. Minor skirmishes may occur during large protests if activists breach security cordons or defy police orders, mainly in Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

May 1 is an official holiday in many nations like Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, North Korea, Maldives, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Business disruptions are possible due to the closure of public and private offices.

Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution. Confirm business appointments, road status, and transport reservations in advance, especially if operating in major cities. Allow extra time to reach destinations in downtown areas. Heed all security and traffic advisories.