Thousands of labor rights activists took to the streets of Taipei on Sunday, which is international Labor Day. Organizers were expecting more than ten thousand people to participate.
The protesters, carrying yellow signs and flags and wearing yellow hats left the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) headquarters at 1:40pm. The DPP, which recently won both the presidency and its first-ever majority in the legislature, is known for its support for the nation’s labor rights movement.
The Taiwan Federation of Financial Unions said that regardless of which party is in power in Taiwan, if workers are not organized then they will end up letting capitalists and those in power have their way.
Sunday’s parade had the theme “Fight for guaranteed labor rights". It culminated in a rally in front of the Presidential Office Building.
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s financial markets and banks will be closed on Monday for employees to have a make-up day off for Labor Day, which fell on Sunday this year. Government offices and hospitals will maintain normal operations on Monday.