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In pictures: Workers unite for May Day

News imageEPA A Bangladeshi worker and activist wears a chain during a rally demanding an increase in minimum wages and safety in the work place during a May Day rally in Dhaka, Bangladesh, 01 May 2018.EPA
In Bangladesh, a worker wore his literal chains at a rally demanding minimum wage increases and improved worker safety

May Day, an ancient spring festival in many nations, is also international workers' day, or "labour day".

On 1 May every year, workers of the world unite and rally in support of trade unionisation and better working conditions.

Originally chosen by socialist, labour and communist organisations, the commemorative date has spread across the globe.

News imageEPA Members of the Iraqi Communist party shout slogans and carry communist flags and the communist symbols during a demonstration to mark Labour Day, in central Baghdad, Iraq, 01 May 2018.EPA
The Iraqi Communist party took to the streets of Baghdad with the hammer and sickle symbol
News imageEPA French far-right political party National Front (FN) leader Marine Le Pen (L) lays a wreath at the statue of Joan of Arc during the party's traditional May Day in Cannes, southern France, 01 May 2018.EPA
In Cannes, France's far-right leader Marine Le Pen lays a wreath before a statue of Joan of Arc - a tradition of her party every 1 May
News imageEPA A man shouts slogans to police as a group of counter-demonstrators gathers at an event of the right-wing party "Alternative for Germany" (AfD) in Pankow, Berlin, Germany, 01 May 2018.EPA
A right-wing AfD rally in Berlin, meanwhile, was met with a counter-demonstration (seen here) and a hefty police presence
News imageReuters Leicester Morrismen throw their hats during May Day celebrations at Bradgate Park in Newtown Linford, UK May 1, 2018.Reuters
Aside from the labour rallies, a distinct British tradition: Leicester Morrismen throw their hats in the air at Bradgate Park
News imageEPA A Cambodian worker shouts during a rally in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 01 May 2018.EPA
Many placards, like this one in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, called for increased women's rights
News imageReuters A man wearing a navy uniform performs before a May Day rally in central Moscow, Russia May 1, 2018.Reuters
In Russia, a "sailor" performs as the crowd gathers in Moscow...
News imageReuters Supporters of left-wing political parties and movements attend a May Day rally in central Moscow, Russia May 1, 2018.Reuters
...followed by a march of left-wing parties and political movements
News imageEPA Indian members of the Federation of the Trade Unions Delhi committee shout slogans and attend a rally to mark International Labour Day in Delhi, India 01 May 2018.EPA
Indian trade union members shouted slogans at their own rally to mark the day
News imageAFP / Getty Indonesian migrant workers attend a May Day rally, also known as Labour Day, in Hong Kong on May 1, 2018.AFP / Getty
In Hong Kong, Indonesian migrant workers at a May Day rally called for breaks between shifts that are guaranteed in other countries

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