May Day preparations are underway across Turkey, as workers and unions gear up for rallies and demonstrations despite restrictions imposed by the authorities. The focal point of contention remains the symbolic Taksim Square, where celebrations for International Workers’ Day have been banned by the government for eleven consecutive years due to concerns over potential mass protests.
In Istanbul, Adana and Kurdish-majority Van (Wan), various organisations and unions called for participation in May Day events. The Van Labour and Democracy Platform announced a rally at Musa Anter Peace Park, inviting workers from all sectors to raise their demands and proposals. May Day, with a focus on labour rights and social justice, is particularly significant this year following the country’s 31 March local elections.
The pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party has actively prepared to mobilise support and participation for rallies in both metropolitan cities and across Kurdish regions in Turkey. With a focus on amplifying the voices of marginalised communities, the party has intensified its organisational efforts, aiming to unite workers, activists and supporters.
DEM Party and supporters will advocate for peace, democracy and justice on May Day, party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan said in a weekly address on Tuesday. He reiterated the party’s commitment to representing the voices of all oppressed individuals, reaffirming solidarity with the Kurdish people and their historical connection to the May Day movement.
Union representatives nationwide have echoed the sentiment of unity and resistance. In Turkey’s largest Kurdish-majority city of Diyarbakır (Amed), concerns were raised over the plight of workers in the textiles and education sectors, with calls for immediate action to address unemployment and exploitation. Meanwhile, in Gaziantep (Dilok), issues such as unpaid leave and layoffs in the industrial zone have prompted demands for fair treatment and equal opportunities.
The Istanbul Governorate’s restrictions on transportation and the ban on celebrations in Taksim Square have added a layer of tension to the upcoming May Day events. Despite these challenges, workers remain determined for their voices to be heard on May Day. The spirit of solidarity and the fight for a better future for all continue to drive preparations for the upcoming rallies.