(MENAFN- Swissinfo)
Traditional May 1 celebrations have drawn thousands of demonstrators to Swiss cities. The situation in Ukraine was a key focus of demands this year.
This content was published on May 1, 2022 - 19:06 May 1, 2022 - 19:06 Keystone-SDA/jdp
Demonstrations were planned in 50 locations across Switzerland on Sunday. The largest of which was in Zurich where some 12,000 people marched in the streets according to media agency Keystone-SDA.
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Why demonstrate on May 1?
This content was published on May 1, 2019 May 1, 2019
May 1 has for 130 years been a day for workers' rights and social justice. Times have changed, but there are still workers' demands.
In Basel, about 1,500 people gathered for a May Day demonstration, which attracted trade unions as well as campaigners for undocumented migrants, gender equality and climate protection.
Several arrests and a few acts of vandalism were reported by police. Local branches of UBS and Credit Suisse were the target of vandalism in Basel. In Zurich, police used tear gas and rubber bullets during an unauthorised demonstration of a few hundred people following the main march.
Key demands
Under the slogan“peace, freedom, solidarity”, the war in Ukraine was a key topic of speeches. Union leaders called for Switzerland to do more to support the Ukrainian people and refugees who have come to Switzerland.
'It is the promise of a life, education, work and retirement with dignity for all, as well as the right to the protection of health and security,” said Pierre-Yves Maillard, president of the Swiss Trade Union Federation, speaking in front of the federal building in Bern. All of this, he said, should not just be for a portion of the population.
Classic trade union demands were also reiterated during the day including better wages and pensions.
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Why Switzerland matters for the tropical forests
While there is this deep-rooted tradition of respect of the environment in Switzerland it does not necessarily extend beyond the country's borders.
Articles in this story
- Why demonstrate on May 1?
- Why Switzerland matters for the tropical forests
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