Ukrainians Protest on Labor Day Amid Calls to Cancel the Holliday

A couple of marches took place in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, in honour of International Workers' Day, celebrated on 1st May.

Around one thousand people turned up to the demonstation organised by the Kyiv City Trade Union Council.

Photo by Bohdan Martovskyi, Hromadske

They were protesting against tariff escalation, job cuts and other issues that have been worrying them.

Photo by Bohdan Martovskyi, Hromadske

Photo by Bohdan Martovskyi, Hromadske

Photo by Bohdan Martovskyi, Hromadske

They also ask that the 1st May celebration not be cancelled - as suggested by the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory - but instead brought back to its roots and focussed on the protection workers' rights.

There was another march taking place in the city centre at the same time. However, this one was organized by members of anarchist movements advocating self-governed societies based on voluntary institutions.

Photo by Liuda Kornievych, Hromadske

Photo by Bohdan Martovskyi, Hromadske

They were brandishing slogans such as ,'Take to the streets to form a revolution' and 'Power to the millions, not the millionaires'. The anarchists also expressed disapproval of the previously planned cancellation of the 1st May holiday, as well as the actions of state authorities in general.

Photo by Bohdan Martovskyi, Hromadske

Photo by Bohdan Martovskyi, Hromadske

Both marches were peaceful and approved by the Kyiv City Council. A considerable police presence also guaranteed law and order during these events. ​

//by Liuda Kornievych