May Day Observances Taking Place Around The World

May 1, 2009 7:13 a.m. EST

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - May Day observances, traditionally used to celebrate the contributions of working people, are planned in various countries around the world, but the purpose and tone of events vary this Friday.

In the United States, the day has become a time to focus on the immigration reform movement and to push for justice for all workers; in Europe, where the day is usually marked by protests, authorities are bracing for violence in Germany because of the economic crisis; and in Asia workers in countries such as Cambodia, Japan and the Philippines are marching to protest growing unemployment rates.

German officials have 5,000 police officers in Berlin to handle violent clashes with May Day protestors there. And they have already had to handle a group of youths that clashed with police there overnight.

Violence is also expected to break out in several other European countries during protest marches marking May Day on Friday. Rising unemployment rates in Europe, as well as anger at government officials for their handling of the global economic crisis is causing the tempers of workers to flare as frustration mounts.

In Asia, although the unemployment rate is not as high as it is in the United States and Europe, disgruntled workers in several nations are upset about the growing lack of jobs, or jobs only offering short-term employment.

In the United States, large groups of protestors are expected to participate in peaceful marches across the country to show support for President Barack Obama's immigration reform plan.