May Day Rallies

Many nations will celebrate International Workers Day, Labor Day, or May Day on May 1st. Rallies and gatherings of up to 200,000 people are expected in some places. Rallies may be especially large and disruptive this year as workers in protest austerity measures in many countries. While most gatherings will be peaceful, significant traffic congestion and detours, road closures, and security checkpoints are to be expected. Attacks on police and acts of vandalism, particularly by militant left-wing groups, are a May Day tradition in many European cities. The nature and location of the protests have become increasingly hard to predict in recent years; however, some organizations have announced their plans in advance. Some events are listed below:

  • Czech Republic: Leftist organizations and unions are planning to hold a large demonstration in Prague at Namesti Republiky, while anarchist groups will gather on Strelecky ostrov (Shooters Island) starting at 1300.
  • France: Thousands of protesters will likely take to the streets in major cities across France. In Paris, demonstrators will assemble at 1500 at Place Denfert-Rochereau and march towards the Place de la Bastille via boulevards Saint-Michel, Saint-Germain, and Henri IV.
  • Germany: Labor unions are planning demonstrations in every major city across the country, with the largest actions to take place in Berlin beginning April 30. Anarchist rallies and anti-fascist events will likely take place in the Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, and Koepenick districts of Berlin, starting late April 30. Around 20 different protest actions are expected throughout May 1. Violence between far-right groups, anarchists, anti-fascist groups, and police, as well as vandalism and car torching, are likely starting late April 30.
  • Greece: The umbrella union of Greek maritime workers, Panhellenic Maritime Federation, will stage a 24-hour strike beginning 0001 May 1. If not averted, the industrial action will affect most ferry routes, as well as ship, dock, and port services. Union members will protest at Karaiskaiki Square in Piraeus beginning at 1030. In addition, the General Confederation of Greek Labor (GSEE), and the PAME Communist union have announced they will stage a 24-hour strike on May 1. The unions will hold a mass rally on Syntagma Square beginning at 1030. Protesters will probably block nearby streets, creating severe traffic delays. Metro lines in Athens will suspend services 0530-0900 May 1, also in observance of the traditional Labor Day holiday. The Metro link between central Athens and Athens International Airport (ATH) will not be affected.
  • Italy: Trade unions have also organized a large event in Rome at the Piazza San Giovanni that is likely to attract thousands of participants.
  • Poland: Unions and left-wing parties will march along Rozbrat Street in Warsaw beginning at 1200 and will gather in Smiglego-Rydza Park.
  • Portugal: Unions will stage a mass march and rally in Lisbon beginning at 1430. Demonstrators will assemble on Praca do Marques de Pombal and march to Praca dos Restauradores.
  • Spain: Trade unions are planning a multitude of events nationwide and thousands of protesters will likely participate. In Madrid, demonstrators will assemble at 1200 at the Fuenta del Neptuno and march towards Puerta del Sol.
  • Switzerland: A number of demonstrations are planned nationwide, with the largest in Zurich. Demonstrators will gather at 0930 on Lagerstrasse and march towards Burkliplatz.
  • United Kingdom: A march and rally is slated to begin at 1200 at Clerkenwell Green, London, and then head toward Trafalgar Square. Clerkenwell Road (EC1), Theobalds Road, Proctor Street, High Holborn, Aldwych, and Strand will all be cordoned off during the march.
  • Colombia: UPJ Building, Plaza Bolivar, Bogota
  • Argentina: Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires
  • Colombia: Plaza Caicedo, Government Headquarters, Cali
  • Bolivia: Plaza Murillo, La Paz
  • Ecuador: Plaza Grande, Plaza San Francisco, Quito
  • Brazil: Cinelandia, Rio de Janeiro
  • Chile: Downtown Santiago
  • Sri Lanka: The ruling United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) will stage a mass gathering at Campbell Park in Colombo. Security will likely be especially tight near this rally, as President Mahinda Rajapaksa is slated to attend. UPFA and supporters will also stage a parade in Colombo scheduled to begin at 1200 and proceed along Nelum Pokuna Mawatha. The main opposition United National Party (UNP) is planning to stage its main rally outside of its party headquarters in Sirikotha on the southeast outskirts of Colombo. The National Freedom Front is also planning a rally at the P.D. Sirisena grounds in Maligawatta, Colombo, while multiple leftist parties intend to gather at the Henry Pedris Grounds in Colombo.
  • Taiwan: Members of at least eight labor unions are planning a mass march in Zhongzheng District, Taipei. The march will depart from the National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall (Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall) and travel west along Ketagalan Boulevard approximately 0.5 km (0.3 miles) to the Presidential Office Building.
  • Indonesia: Up to 200,000 people may participate in rallies across West Java. Tens of thousands of police are likely to be deployed throughout Jakarta, with a further 12,000 police expected to be deployed in other major cities across West Java.

Travelers are advised to use caution, be aware of surroundings, and avoid large gatherings. Review these tips:

Awareness

  • Know how to use local pay telephones and have a local calling card or change to do so.
  • Trust your instinct; if a place does not feel right, move to a safer location – immediately.
  • Be attentive to how others perceive you; behave in an unprovocative manner that
    discourage un-wanted attention.
  • Familiarize yourself with your neighborhood and work environment.
  • Use common sense. Beware of EVERYONE, including pickpockets, scam artists, etc.
  • Remove name tags or security badges when outside the office or venue.
  • Pay attention to local media for any activities or events that might affect you.
  • Be aware of surroundings, including the people, cars, and alleys nearby.
  • Keep alert to potential trouble, and choose to avoid when possible. Trust your instincts.
  • Educate yourself of any pending events (elections, demonstrations, anniversaries) that
    may cause civil disturbance, and avoid unnecessary risks.

Personal Conduct

  • Dress in a manner that is inoffensive to local cultural norms.
  • Avoid clothing that shows your nationality or political views.
  • Establish personal boundaries and act to protect them.
  • Exercise additional caution when carrying and displaying valuable possessions (jewelry,
    phone, sun-glasses, camera, etc.); what may be a simple, even disposable item to you,
    may be a sign of extreme affluence to another.
  • Divide money among several pockets; if you carry a wallet, carry it in a front pocket.
    If you carry a purse, carry it close to your body. Do not set it down or leave it unattended.
    Take a patient and calm approach to ambiguity and conflict.
  • Radiate confidence while walking in public places.
  • Do not discuss personal, professional, or financial issues of your group or yourself; these can be used to exploit you and your group.
  • Be cool when facing confrontation; focus on de-escalation and escape.
  • Respect local sensitivities to photographing/videotaping, especially at airports, police, and government facilities.
  • Carry required official identification with you at all times.
  • Report any security incidents to your embassy or consulate (who will advise you of
    options including reporting to local authorities, prosecution, corrective measures, etc.).
  • Maintain a low profile, especially in places where there may be hostility toward foreigners and/or citizens of your country; do not seek publicity.
  • Avoid public expressions about local politics, religion, and other sensitive topics.