May Day Protests Condemn US-Israeli War on Iran

On May 1, 2026, workers’ rallies erupted, uniting against the United States-Israel campaign on Iran. In Manila, protesters clashed with police near the U.S. Embassy; Jakarta hosted a presidential rally where President Prabowo Subianto announced social measures; Istanbul police detained demonstrators attempting to reach Taksim Square; European streets filled; and 4,000 “May Day Strong” events were slated in the United States.

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The war has sparked an energy crisis, raising fuel and electricity prices and eroding wages for households. Organizers tie the surge in living costs to the conflict, noting President Donald Trump’s rhetoric and repeated threats of further military action as amplifying worker unrest.

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Organizers included Josua Mata of the Philippine SENTRO labor umbrella, President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia, European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), Public Services International’s Daniel Bertossa, and Contemporary Lawyers’ Association (ÇHD).

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Istanbul police detained at least 350 demonstrators, with “hundreds more” possibly in custody. Subianto pledged construction of 1 million homes and daycare facilities for workers’ children. ETUC represents 93 unions in 41 European nations. 4,000 May Day events were planned in the United States.

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Costs have squeezed household budgets, threatening jobs and living standards. Protesters argue the conflict shows how foreign policy directly shapes domestic economic security, prompting calls for transnational labor solidarity.

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ETUC condemned “Donald Trump’s war in the Middle East” and warned workers would not accept wage erosion. Subianto used his Jakarta appearance to announce housing and childcare initiatives. ÇHD reported the scale of Istanbul detentions. No U.S. or Israeli comment appears in the sources.

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They labeled United States “imperial” and displayed banners reading “Down With US Imperialism.” Critics highlighted the war’s disproportionate burden on workers, arguing that geopolitical aggression serves elite interests while laborers bear the economic pain.

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Sources differ on Istanbul detentions, citing “at least 350” versus “hundreds more” in custody. The rise in energy prices linked to the war is unspecified, and neither the U.S. nor Israeli governments provided statements on the protests or the conflict’s economic impact.

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• “Every Filipino worker now is aware that the situation here is deeply connected to the global crisis,” — Josua Mata, SENTRO leader

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• “working people refuse to pay the price for Donald Trump’s war in the Middle East,” — European Trade Union Confederation statement

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• “today’s rallies show working people will not stand by and see their jobs and living standards destroyed.” — European Trade Union Confederation statement

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• “Rising living costs caused by the war are now driving anger among working-class people and producing a rare and powerful moment to connect and educate,” — Daniel Bertossa, Public Services International

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Labor groups plan to maintain transnational coordination through the year, focusing on energy-price policy debates and demonstrations as the war’s economic fallout persists.

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