25
Apr 2025
12:19 UTC
Europe Tactical: Labor Day-related gatherings, protests, to be held regionwide on May 1; maintain heightened vigilance
Current Situation
- Reports indicate that labor unions, civil society organizations, and activist groups will stage protests over a variety of issues in multiple European cities to commemorate International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day or Labour Day, on May 1.
- In Vienna, Austria activists associated with the center-left Sozialdemokratische Partei Oesterreichs (SPO) party, will hold a rally at Rathausplatz from 09:00 (local time).
Source: Ganz Wien
- In Vienna, Austria activists associated with the center-left Sozialdemokratische Partei Oesterreichs (SPO) party, will hold a rally at Rathausplatz from 09:00 (local time).
Source: Ganz Wien
- Separately, in Vienna, Austria a public May Festival will take place at Kaiserwiese, starting from 11:00.
Source: Ganz Wien
- Separately, in Vienna, Austria a public May Festival will take place at Kaiserwiese, starting from 11:00.
Source: Ganz Wien
- In Paris, France activists associated with the inter-union coalition—including the Confederation Generale du Travail (CGT), Force Ouvriere (FO), Union Syndicale Solidaires, and the Federation Syndicale Unitaire (FSU)—will hold a protest march from Place d’Italie at 14:00.
- However, the protest route, including concluding location of this rally, is not yet announced as of writing.
- Protesters will denounce the pension reform law, perceived wage stagnation, and what they allege to be the decline of public services. Protesters will also express solidarity with Palestine.
Source: Sortira Paris
- In Paris, France activists associated with the inter-union coalition—including the Confederation Generale du Travail (CGT), Force Ouvriere (FO), Union Syndicale Solidaires, and the Federation Syndicale Unitaire (FSU)—will hold a protest march from Place d’Italie at 14:00.
- However, the protest route, including concluding location of this rally, is not yet announced as of writing.
- Protesters will denounce the pension reform law, perceived wage stagnation, and what they allege to be the decline of public services. Protesters will also express solidarity with Palestine.
Source: Sortira Paris
- In Berlin, Germany activists associated with far-left group Perspektive Kommunismus, are slated to hold a protest march from Suedstern metro station staring at 18:00.
- Following the initial gathering, protesters will march through Kreuzberg and Neukolln.
- Reports indicate that last year’s May Day rally in Berlin had attracted over 10000 participants.
Source: Organizer’s website
- In Berlin, Germany activists associated with far-left group Perspektive Kommunismus, are slated to hold a protest march from Suedstern metro station staring at 18:00.
- Following the initial gathering, protesters will march through Kreuzberg and Neukolln.
- Reports indicate that last year’s May Day rally in Berlin had attracted over 10000 participants.
Source: Organizer’s website
- In Cologne, Germany the Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund (DGB) union will hold a protest march from DGB-Haus at Hans-Bockler-Platz from 12:00.
- Furthermore, the march will proceed to Heumarkt where a rally and cultural program will be held.
Source: Facebook
- In Cologne, Germany the Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund (DGB) union will hold a protest march from DGB-Haus at Hans-Bockler-Platz from 12:00.
- Furthermore, the march will proceed to Heumarkt where a rally and cultural program will be held.
Source: Facebook
- Separately in Cologne, Germany activists associated with far-left group Perspektive Kommunismus, are slated to hold protest at Kalk Post from 17:00.
Source: Organizer’s website
- Separately in Cologne, Germany activists associated with far-left group Perspektive Kommunismus, are slated to hold protest at Kalk Post from 17:00.
Source: Organizer’s website
- In Frankfurt, Germany activists associated with far-left group Perspektive Kommunismus, are slated to hold protest at Friedberger Platz from 18:00.
Source: Organizer’s website
- In Frankfurt, Germany activists associated with far-left group Perspektive Kommunismus, are slated to hold protest at Friedberger Platz from 18:00.
Source: Organizer’s website
- In Hamburg, Germany, activists associated with far-left group Perspektive Kommunismus, are slated to hold protest at S-Bahn Hasselbrook from 16:00.
- Protesters will denounce the capitalist system, perceived by them as exploitative and unjust, and express support for broader social transformation.
Source: Organizer’s website
- In Hamburg, Germany, activists associated with far-left group Perspektive Kommunismus, are slated to hold protest at S-Bahn Hasselbrook from 16:00.
- Protesters will denounce the capitalist system, perceived by them as exploitative and unjust, and express support for broader social transformation.
Source: Organizer’s website
- Separately, in Hamburg, Germany, a protest denouncing “super-rich” will be held at Sierichstrasse subway station starting at 13:30.
Source: Organizer’s website
- Separately, in Hamburg, Germany, a protest denouncing “super-rich” will be held at Sierichstrasse subway station starting at 13:30.
Source: Organizer’s website
- In Munich, Germany, activists associated with Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund (DGB) union will hold a protest march from the Agentur fuer Arbeit on Kapuzinerstrasse at 11:00 (local time).
- Furthermore, it will proceed to Marienplatz, where a rally, family festival, and an open-air concert will take place. Protesters will denounce the perceived neglect of public infrastructure and services, and allegedly growing income inequality, while advocating for investments in a stronger social state and protection of workers’ rights.
Source: Organizer’s website
- In Munich, Germany, activists associated with Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund (DGB) union will hold a protest march from the Agentur fuer Arbeit on Kapuzinerstrasse at 11:00 (local time).
- Furthermore, it will proceed to Marienplatz, where a rally, family festival, and an open-air concert will take place. Protesters will denounce the perceived neglect of public infrastructure and services, and allegedly growing income inequality, while advocating for investments in a stronger social state and protection of workers’ rights.
Source: Organizer’s website
- Separately in Munich, Germany, activists associated with the far-left group Perspektive Kommunismus will hold a protest at Kapuzinerstrasse from 10:30.
- Thereafter, they will hold another demonstration at Rindermarkt from 14:00.
- Lastly, this will follow a social event at Eine-Welt-Haus, Schwanthalerstrasse 80, from 16:00
Source: Organizer’s website
- Separately in Munich, Germany, activists associated with the far-left group Perspektive Kommunismus will hold a protest at Kapuzinerstrasse from 10:30.
- Thereafter, they will hold another demonstration at Rindermarkt from 14:00.
- Lastly, this will follow a social event at Eine-Welt-Haus, Schwanthalerstrasse 80, from 16:00
Source: Organizer’s website
- In Stuttgart, Germany activists associated with DGB union are slated to hold protest at Marktplatz from 10:00.
Source: Organizer’s website
- In Stuttgart, Germany activists associated with DGB union are slated to hold protest at Marktplatz from 10:00.
Source: Organizer’s website
- Separately in Stuttgart, Germany activists associated with far-left group Perspektive Kommunismus, are slated to hold protest at Kronprinzstrasse, S-Bahn Stadtmitte from 12:30. However exact protest route is unannounced as of writing.
- Thereafter, they will hold a social event Left Center Lilo Herrmann, Boeblingerstrasse 105, from 15:00.
Source: Organizer’s website
- Separately in Stuttgart, Germany activists associated with far-left group Perspektive Kommunismus, are slated to hold protest at Kronprinzstrasse, S-Bahn Stadtmitte from 12:30. However exact protest route is unannounced as of writing.
- Thereafter, they will hold a social event Left Center Lilo Herrmann, Boeblingerstrasse 105, from 15:00.
Source: Organizer’s website
- In Athens, Greece activists associated with the Coordination of Workers’ Resistance will hold a protest at Klafthmonos Square starting at 11:00 (local time).
- Protesters will denounce the Mitsotakis government for policies allegedly prioritizing military investment over public welfare, and for its perceived role in migrant fatalities and suppression of workers’ rights. The protest will also express solidarity with Palestine and demand justice in cases like the Tempi and Pylos incidents.
Source: Kinimatorama
- In Athens, Greece activists associated with the Coordination of Workers’ Resistance will hold a protest at Klafthmonos Square starting at 11:00 (local time).
- Protesters will denounce the Mitsotakis government for policies allegedly prioritizing military investment over public welfare, and for its perceived role in migrant fatalities and suppression of workers’ rights. The protest will also express solidarity with Palestine and demand justice in cases like the Tempi and Pylos incidents.
Source: Kinimatorama
- Separately in Athens, Greece, activists associated with the Paper Press Syndicate will hold a protest at Syntagma Square at 10:30.
- Protesters will denounce austerity measures and alleged anti-worker reforms, perceived by them to be in favor of corporate profits over public welfare. They will demand higher wages, stronger labor protections, and increased funding for health, education, and social services.
Source: Pamehellas
- Separately in Athens, Greece, activists associated with the Paper Press Syndicate will hold a protest at Syntagma Square at 10:30.
- Protesters will denounce austerity measures and alleged anti-worker reforms, perceived by them to be in favor of corporate profits over public welfare. They will demand higher wages, stronger labor protections, and increased funding for health, education, and social services.
Source: Pamehellas
- Also in Greece, on May 1, unionized port workers affiliated with the Pan-Hellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) will hold a nationwide 24-hour strike starting at 00:01. This labor action will affect all categories of passenger and cargo ships.
Source: GTP Headlines
- Also in Greece, on May 1, unionized port workers affiliated with the Pan-Hellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) will hold a nationwide 24-hour strike starting at 00:01. This labor action will affect all categories of passenger and cargo ships.
Source: GTP Headlines
- In Dublin, Ireland, activists associated with the Dublin Council of Trade Unions will hold a protest march from the Garden of Remembrance at 19:00.
- Furthermore, it will proceed to Beresford Place, near Liberty Hall, where a rally featuring union leaders and guest speakers will be held. Protesters will denounce issues perceived by them as housing shortages, social inequality, and cuts to public services. Protesters will also express solidarity with Palestine.
Source: X/Twitter
- In Dublin, Ireland, activists associated with the Dublin Council of Trade Unions will hold a protest march from the Garden of Remembrance at 19:00.
- Furthermore, it will proceed to Beresford Place, near Liberty Hall, where a rally featuring union leaders and guest speakers will be held. Protesters will denounce issues perceived by them as housing shortages, social inequality, and cuts to public services. Protesters will also express solidarity with Palestine.
Source: X/Twitter
- In Amsterdam, Netherlands, activists associated with the Federatie Nederlandse Vakbeweging (FNV), the Federation of Dutch Trade Unions, a national labor organization, will hold a protest march from Museumplein at 14:00 (local time).
- Furthermore, it will proceed through the city towards Martin Luther Kingpark, where a public demonstration is scheduled to begin at 16:00.
- Protesters will denounce what is perceived by them as increasing economic inequality, rising living costs, and the alleged neglect of public services.
Source: Organizer’s website
- In Amsterdam, Netherlands, activists associated with the Federatie Nederlandse Vakbeweging (FNV), the Federation of Dutch Trade Unions, a national labor organization, will hold a protest march from Museumplein at 14:00 (local time).
- Furthermore, it will proceed through the city towards Martin Luther Kingpark, where a public demonstration is scheduled to begin at 16:00.
- Protesters will denounce what is perceived by them as increasing economic inequality, rising living costs, and the alleged neglect of public services.
Source: Organizer’s website
- In Madrid, Spain, activists associated with the General Confederation of Labor (CGT) union will hold a protest march from Legazpi Square at 11:00.
- Furthermore, it will proceed towards Cuesta de Moyano, where the event will conclude with a concert. However, the exact protest route is unannounced as of writing.
- Protesters will denounce perceived social injustices, inequality, and what they allege to be political and economic systems favoring elite interests over public welfare.
Source: X/Twitter
- In Madrid, Spain, activists associated with the General Confederation of Labor (CGT) union will hold a protest march from Legazpi Square at 11:00.
- Furthermore, it will proceed towards Cuesta de Moyano, where the event will conclude with a concert. However, the exact protest route is unannounced as of writing.
- Protesters will denounce perceived social injustices, inequality, and what they allege to be political and economic systems favoring elite interests over public welfare.
Source: X/Twitter
- Also in Madrid, activists associated with Comisiones Obreras (CCOO) union will hold a protest march starting from the corner of Gran Via and Alcala streets to Plaza de Espana at 12:00.
Source: CCOO
- Also in Madrid, activists associated with Comisiones Obreras (CCOO) union will hold a protest march starting from the corner of Gran Via and Alcala streets to Plaza de Espana at 12:00.
Source: CCOO
- In Stockholm, Sweden a protest is slated to be held at Raoul Wallenbergs Torg from 15:00.
Source: Instagram
- In Stockholm, Sweden a protest is slated to be held at Raoul Wallenbergs Torg from 15:00.
Source: Instagram
- In Zurich, Switzerland, activists associate with far-left group Perspektive Kommunismus will hold protest at Ni-Una-Menos Square from 09:30. Thereafter second demonstration will be held at Kanzleiareal from 12:30.
Source: Organizer’s website
- In Zurich, Switzerland, activists associate with far-left group Perspektive Kommunismus will hold protest at Ni-Una-Menos Square from 09:30. Thereafter second demonstration will be held at Kanzleiareal from 12:30.
Source: Organizer’s website
- In London, UK, activists associated with various trade unions will hold a protest march from Clerkenwell Green at 12:00.
- Furthermore, it will proceed through central London and will conclude at Trafalgar Square, where the annual May Day Rally will commence from 14:30. However, the exact protest route is unannounced as of writing.
- Protesters will denounce what is perceived by them as economic injustice, alleged erosion of labor rights, and increasing cost-of-living pressures on working communities.
Source: X/Twitter
- In London, UK, activists associated with various trade unions will hold a protest march from Clerkenwell Green at 12:00.
- Furthermore, it will proceed through central London and will conclude at Trafalgar Square, where the annual May Day Rally will commence from 14:30. However, the exact protest route is unannounced as of writing.
- Protesters will denounce what is perceived by them as economic injustice, alleged erosion of labor rights, and increasing cost-of-living pressures on working communities.
Source: X/Twitter
Assessments & Forecast
- Based on precedent, the protests are likely to draw turnouts ranging from the mid-hundreds to the high tens of thousands, with the demonstrations in Berlin, Paris, and Athens expected to witness the largest attendance. Additional protests are likely to be held in other major cities across Europe, with actions focused on central squares, city centers, and outside government offices. Additionally, the likelihood of spontaneous and short-notice labor actions, including walkouts, marking the Workers’ Day, also remains.
- Given the heightened sentiments over the protest issues, coupled with the likely participation of radical left-wing activists, these protests carry elevated potential for unrest. The risk of unrest remains especially elevated in cities with the entrenched presence of left-wing and anarchist activists, such as Athens, Berlin, and Paris. These elements are known to resort to aggressive tactics such as throwing projectiles—including glass bottles, stones, or fireworks—at law enforcement personnel, conducting road blockades, and vandalizing nearby government or commercial property, especially in Athens. In some cases, sit-ins and symbolic disruptions such as banner drops or flag displays targeting perceived political opponents or businesses may also occur.
- As such, a bolstered security presence is expected to be deployed near the slated protest locations to monitor proceedings. In the event of escalating unrest, police officials are likely to resort to forcible dispersal tactics, including the use of tear gas, water cannons, baton charges, and mass detentions.
- While authorities have not indicated any specific threats to these protests and gatherings, amid the overall heightened Islamist threat in Europe, these rallies remain plausible targets of jihadist attacks due to higher footfall and their symbolic nature. Indeed, the February 13 suspected Islamist vehicular ramming attack on a union protest in Munich that injured at least 28 adds credence to this. Additionally, the risk of opportunistic crimes, such as pickpocketing and theft, remains elevated near these gatherings.
- Significant disruptions to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic, including road closures and changes to public transportation schedules, can be anticipated in the vicinity of these locations during the slated timings.
Recommendations
- Those operating or residing in the aforementioned cities in Europe on May 1 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance in the vicinity of all Labor Day protests and events due to the potential for unrest.
- Allot for travel-related disruptions near protests as well as disruptions to services due to strikes.
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL
Low
AFFECTED AREA
Europe
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL
Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE
Credible
Current Situation
- Reports indicate that labor unions, civil society organizations, and activist groups will stage protests over a variety of issues in multiple European cities to commemorate International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day or Labour Day, on May 1.
- In Vienna, Austria activists associated with the center-left Sozialdemokratische Partei Oesterreichs (SPO) party, will hold a rally at Rathausplatz from 09:00 (local time).
Source: Ganz Wien
- In Vienna, Austria activists associated with the center-left Sozialdemokratische Partei Oesterreichs (SPO) party, will hold a rally at Rathausplatz from 09:00 (local time).
Source: Ganz Wien
- Separately, in Vienna, Austria a public May Festival will take place at Kaiserwiese, starting from 11:00.
Source: Ganz Wien
- Separately, in Vienna, Austria a public May Festival will take place at Kaiserwiese, starting from 11:00.
Source: Ganz Wien
- In Paris, France activists associated with the inter-union coalition—including the Confederation Generale du Travail (CGT), Force Ouvriere (FO), Union Syndicale Solidaires, and the Federation Syndicale Unitaire (FSU)—will hold a protest march from Place d’Italie at 14:00.
- However, the protest route, including concluding location of this rally, is not yet announced as of writing.
- Protesters will denounce the pension reform law, perceived wage stagnation, and what they allege to be the decline of public services. Protesters will also express solidarity with Palestine.
Source: Sortira Paris
- In Paris, France activists associated with the inter-union coalition—including the Confederation Generale du Travail (CGT), Force Ouvriere (FO), Union Syndicale Solidaires, and the Federation Syndicale Unitaire (FSU)—will hold a protest march from Place d’Italie at 14:00.
- However, the protest route, including concluding location of this rally, is not yet announced as of writing.
- Protesters will denounce the pension reform law, perceived wage stagnation, and what they allege to be the decline of public services. Protesters will also express solidarity with Palestine.
Source: Sortira Paris
- In Berlin, Germany activists associated with far-left group Perspektive Kommunismus, are slated to hold a protest march from Suedstern metro station staring at 18:00.
- Following the initial gathering, protesters will march through Kreuzberg and Neukolln.
- Reports indicate that last year’s May Day rally in Berlin had attracted over 10000 participants.
Source: Organizer’s website
- In Berlin, Germany activists associated with far-left group Perspektive Kommunismus, are slated to hold a protest march from Suedstern metro station staring at 18:00.
- Following the initial gathering, protesters will march through Kreuzberg and Neukolln.
- Reports indicate that last year’s May Day rally in Berlin had attracted over 10000 participants.
Source: Organizer’s website
- In Cologne, Germany the Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund (DGB) union will hold a protest march from DGB-Haus at Hans-Bockler-Platz from 12:00.
- Furthermore, the march will proceed to Heumarkt where a rally and cultural program will be held.
Source: Facebook
- In Cologne, Germany the Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund (DGB) union will hold a protest march from DGB-Haus at Hans-Bockler-Platz from 12:00.
- Furthermore, the march will proceed to Heumarkt where a rally and cultural program will be held.
Source: Facebook
- Separately in Cologne, Germany activists associated with far-left group Perspektive Kommunismus, are slated to hold protest at Kalk Post from 17:00.
Source: Organizer’s website
- Separately in Cologne, Germany activists associated with far-left group Perspektive Kommunismus, are slated to hold protest at Kalk Post from 17:00.
Source: Organizer’s website
- In Frankfurt, Germany activists associated with far-left group Perspektive Kommunismus, are slated to hold protest at Friedberger Platz from 18:00.
Source: Organizer’s website
- In Frankfurt, Germany activists associated with far-left group Perspektive Kommunismus, are slated to hold protest at Friedberger Platz from 18:00.
Source: Organizer’s website
- In Hamburg, Germany, activists associated with far-left group Perspektive Kommunismus, are slated to hold protest at S-Bahn Hasselbrook from 16:00.
- Protesters will denounce the capitalist system, perceived by them as exploitative and unjust, and express support for broader social transformation.
Source: Organizer’s website
- In Hamburg, Germany, activists associated with far-left group Perspektive Kommunismus, are slated to hold protest at S-Bahn Hasselbrook from 16:00.
- Protesters will denounce the capitalist system, perceived by them as exploitative and unjust, and express support for broader social transformation.
Source: Organizer’s website
- Separately, in Hamburg, Germany, a protest denouncing “super-rich” will be held at Sierichstrasse subway station starting at 13:30.
Source: Organizer’s website
- Separately, in Hamburg, Germany, a protest denouncing “super-rich” will be held at Sierichstrasse subway station starting at 13:30.
Source: Organizer’s website
- In Munich, Germany, activists associated with Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund (DGB) union will hold a protest march from the Agentur fuer Arbeit on Kapuzinerstrasse at 11:00 (local time).
- Furthermore, it will proceed to Marienplatz, where a rally, family festival, and an open-air concert will take place. Protesters will denounce the perceived neglect of public infrastructure and services, and allegedly growing income inequality, while advocating for investments in a stronger social state and protection of workers’ rights.
Source: Organizer’s website
- In Munich, Germany, activists associated with Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund (DGB) union will hold a protest march from the Agentur fuer Arbeit on Kapuzinerstrasse at 11:00 (local time).
- Furthermore, it will proceed to Marienplatz, where a rally, family festival, and an open-air concert will take place. Protesters will denounce the perceived neglect of public infrastructure and services, and allegedly growing income inequality, while advocating for investments in a stronger social state and protection of workers’ rights.
Source: Organizer’s website
- Separately in Munich, Germany, activists associated with the far-left group Perspektive Kommunismus will hold a protest at Kapuzinerstrasse from 10:30.
- Thereafter, they will hold another demonstration at Rindermarkt from 14:00.
- Lastly, this will follow a social event at Eine-Welt-Haus, Schwanthalerstrasse 80, from 16:00
Source: Organizer’s website
- Separately in Munich, Germany, activists associated with the far-left group Perspektive Kommunismus will hold a protest at Kapuzinerstrasse from 10:30.
- Thereafter, they will hold another demonstration at Rindermarkt from 14:00.
- Lastly, this will follow a social event at Eine-Welt-Haus, Schwanthalerstrasse 80, from 16:00
Source: Organizer’s website
- In Stuttgart, Germany activists associated with DGB union are slated to hold protest at Marktplatz from 10:00.
Source: Organizer’s website
- In Stuttgart, Germany activists associated with DGB union are slated to hold protest at Marktplatz from 10:00.
Source: Organizer’s website
- Separately in Stuttgart, Germany activists associated with far-left group Perspektive Kommunismus, are slated to hold protest at Kronprinzstrasse, S-Bahn Stadtmitte from 12:30. However exact protest route is unannounced as of writing.
- Thereafter, they will hold a social event Left Center Lilo Herrmann, Boeblingerstrasse 105, from 15:00.
Source: Organizer’s website
- Separately in Stuttgart, Germany activists associated with far-left group Perspektive Kommunismus, are slated to hold protest at Kronprinzstrasse, S-Bahn Stadtmitte from 12:30. However exact protest route is unannounced as of writing.
- Thereafter, they will hold a social event Left Center Lilo Herrmann, Boeblingerstrasse 105, from 15:00.
Source: Organizer’s website
- In Athens, Greece activists associated with the Coordination of Workers’ Resistance will hold a protest at Klafthmonos Square starting at 11:00 (local time).
- Protesters will denounce the Mitsotakis government for policies allegedly prioritizing military investment over public welfare, and for its perceived role in migrant fatalities and suppression of workers’ rights. The protest will also express solidarity with Palestine and demand justice in cases like the Tempi and Pylos incidents.
Source: Kinimatorama
- In Athens, Greece activists associated with the Coordination of Workers’ Resistance will hold a protest at Klafthmonos Square starting at 11:00 (local time).
- Protesters will denounce the Mitsotakis government for policies allegedly prioritizing military investment over public welfare, and for its perceived role in migrant fatalities and suppression of workers’ rights. The protest will also express solidarity with Palestine and demand justice in cases like the Tempi and Pylos incidents.
Source: Kinimatorama
- Separately in Athens, Greece, activists associated with the Paper Press Syndicate will hold a protest at Syntagma Square at 10:30.
- Protesters will denounce austerity measures and alleged anti-worker reforms, perceived by them to be in favor of corporate profits over public welfare. They will demand higher wages, stronger labor protections, and increased funding for health, education, and social services.
Source: Pamehellas
- Separately in Athens, Greece, activists associated with the Paper Press Syndicate will hold a protest at Syntagma Square at 10:30.
- Protesters will denounce austerity measures and alleged anti-worker reforms, perceived by them to be in favor of corporate profits over public welfare. They will demand higher wages, stronger labor protections, and increased funding for health, education, and social services.
Source: Pamehellas
- Also in Greece, on May 1, unionized port workers affiliated with the Pan-Hellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) will hold a nationwide 24-hour strike starting at 00:01. This labor action will affect all categories of passenger and cargo ships.
Source: GTP Headlines
- Also in Greece, on May 1, unionized port workers affiliated with the Pan-Hellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) will hold a nationwide 24-hour strike starting at 00:01. This labor action will affect all categories of passenger and cargo ships.
Source: GTP Headlines
- In Dublin, Ireland, activists associated with the Dublin Council of Trade Unions will hold a protest march from the Garden of Remembrance at 19:00.
- Furthermore, it will proceed to Beresford Place, near Liberty Hall, where a rally featuring union leaders and guest speakers will be held. Protesters will denounce issues perceived by them as housing shortages, social inequality, and cuts to public services. Protesters will also express solidarity with Palestine.
Source: X/Twitter
- In Dublin, Ireland, activists associated with the Dublin Council of Trade Unions will hold a protest march from the Garden of Remembrance at 19:00.
- Furthermore, it will proceed to Beresford Place, near Liberty Hall, where a rally featuring union leaders and guest speakers will be held. Protesters will denounce issues perceived by them as housing shortages, social inequality, and cuts to public services. Protesters will also express solidarity with Palestine.
Source: X/Twitter
- In Amsterdam, Netherlands, activists associated with the Federatie Nederlandse Vakbeweging (FNV), the Federation of Dutch Trade Unions, a national labor organization, will hold a protest march from Museumplein at 14:00 (local time).
- Furthermore, it will proceed through the city towards Martin Luther Kingpark, where a public demonstration is scheduled to begin at 16:00.
- Protesters will denounce what is perceived by them as increasing economic inequality, rising living costs, and the alleged neglect of public services.
Source: Organizer’s website
- In Amsterdam, Netherlands, activists associated with the Federatie Nederlandse Vakbeweging (FNV), the Federation of Dutch Trade Unions, a national labor organization, will hold a protest march from Museumplein at 14:00 (local time).
- Furthermore, it will proceed through the city towards Martin Luther Kingpark, where a public demonstration is scheduled to begin at 16:00.
- Protesters will denounce what is perceived by them as increasing economic inequality, rising living costs, and the alleged neglect of public services.
Source: Organizer’s website
- In Madrid, Spain, activists associated with the General Confederation of Labor (CGT) union will hold a protest march from Legazpi Square at 11:00.
- Furthermore, it will proceed towards Cuesta de Moyano, where the event will conclude with a concert. However, the exact protest route is unannounced as of writing.
- Protesters will denounce perceived social injustices, inequality, and what they allege to be political and economic systems favoring elite interests over public welfare.
Source: X/Twitter
- In Madrid, Spain, activists associated with the General Confederation of Labor (CGT) union will hold a protest march from Legazpi Square at 11:00.
- Furthermore, it will proceed towards Cuesta de Moyano, where the event will conclude with a concert. However, the exact protest route is unannounced as of writing.
- Protesters will denounce perceived social injustices, inequality, and what they allege to be political and economic systems favoring elite interests over public welfare.
Source: X/Twitter
- Also in Madrid, activists associated with Comisiones Obreras (CCOO) union will hold a protest march starting from the corner of Gran Via and Alcala streets to Plaza de Espana at 12:00.
Source: CCOO
- Also in Madrid, activists associated with Comisiones Obreras (CCOO) union will hold a protest march starting from the corner of Gran Via and Alcala streets to Plaza de Espana at 12:00.
Source: CCOO
- In Stockholm, Sweden a protest is slated to be held at Raoul Wallenbergs Torg from 15:00.
Source: Instagram
- In Stockholm, Sweden a protest is slated to be held at Raoul Wallenbergs Torg from 15:00.
Source: Instagram
- In Zurich, Switzerland, activists associate with far-left group Perspektive Kommunismus will hold protest at Ni-Una-Menos Square from 09:30. Thereafter second demonstration will be held at Kanzleiareal from 12:30.
Source: Organizer’s website
- In Zurich, Switzerland, activists associate with far-left group Perspektive Kommunismus will hold protest at Ni-Una-Menos Square from 09:30. Thereafter second demonstration will be held at Kanzleiareal from 12:30.
Source: Organizer’s website
- In London, UK, activists associated with various trade unions will hold a protest march from Clerkenwell Green at 12:00.
- Furthermore, it will proceed through central London and will conclude at Trafalgar Square, where the annual May Day Rally will commence from 14:30. However, the exact protest route is unannounced as of writing.
- Protesters will denounce what is perceived by them as economic injustice, alleged erosion of labor rights, and increasing cost-of-living pressures on working communities.
Source: X/Twitter
- In London, UK, activists associated with various trade unions will hold a protest march from Clerkenwell Green at 12:00.
- Furthermore, it will proceed through central London and will conclude at Trafalgar Square, where the annual May Day Rally will commence from 14:30. However, the exact protest route is unannounced as of writing.
- Protesters will denounce what is perceived by them as economic injustice, alleged erosion of labor rights, and increasing cost-of-living pressures on working communities.
Source: X/Twitter
Assessments & Forecast
- Based on precedent, the protests are likely to draw turnouts ranging from the mid-hundreds to the high tens of thousands, with the demonstrations in Berlin, Paris, and Athens expected to witness the largest attendance. Additional protests are likely to be held in other major cities across Europe, with actions focused on central squares, city centers, and outside government offices. Additionally, the likelihood of spontaneous and short-notice labor actions, including walkouts, marking the Workers’ Day, also remains.
- Given the heightened sentiments over the protest issues, coupled with the likely participation of radical left-wing activists, these protests carry elevated potential for unrest. The risk of unrest remains especially elevated in cities with the entrenched presence of left-wing and anarchist activists, such as Athens, Berlin, and Paris. These elements are known to resort to aggressive tactics such as throwing projectiles—including glass bottles, stones, or fireworks—at law enforcement personnel, conducting road blockades, and vandalizing nearby government or commercial property, especially in Athens. In some cases, sit-ins and symbolic disruptions such as banner drops or flag displays targeting perceived political opponents or businesses may also occur.
- As such, a bolstered security presence is expected to be deployed near the slated protest locations to monitor proceedings. In the event of escalating unrest, police officials are likely to resort to forcible dispersal tactics, including the use of tear gas, water cannons, baton charges, and mass detentions.
- While authorities have not indicated any specific threats to these protests and gatherings, amid the overall heightened Islamist threat in Europe, these rallies remain plausible targets of jihadist attacks due to higher footfall and their symbolic nature. Indeed, the February 13 suspected Islamist vehicular ramming attack on a union protest in Munich that injured at least 28 adds credence to this. Additionally, the risk of opportunistic crimes, such as pickpocketing and theft, remains elevated near these gatherings.
- Significant disruptions to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic, including road closures and changes to public transportation schedules, can be anticipated in the vicinity of these locations during the slated timings.
Recommendations
- Those operating or residing in the aforementioned cities in Europe on May 1 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance in the vicinity of all Labor Day protests and events due to the potential for unrest.
- Allot for travel-related disruptions near protests as well as disruptions to services due to strikes.
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL
Low
AFFECTED AREA
Europe
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL
Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE
Credible
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