What to know about May Day as workers face rising costs due to Iran war

PARIS (AP) — Activists worldwide gathered for May Day rallies and street protests Friday, calling for peace, higher wages and better working conditions as many workers grapple with rising energy costs and shrinking purchasing power tied to the Iran war. May 1 is a public holiday in many countries to mark International Workers' Day, or Labor Day, when workers' unions traditionally rally around wages, pensions, inequality and broader political issues. Demonstrations were being held from Seoul, Sydney and Jakarta to many European capitals and cities across the United States. READ MORE: Profit for the biggest U.S. oil companies declined in 1st quarter – but only on paper "Working people refuse to pay the price for Donald Trump's war in the Middle East," the European Trade Union Confederation, which represents 93 trade union organizations in 41 European countries, said. "Today's rallies show working people will not stand by and see their jobs and living standards destroyed." In the United States, activists opposing President Donald Trump's policies are planning marches and boycotts. Here's what to know about May Day. Rising energy prices and living costs A man flashes the victory sign as he stands next to a mock gasoline pump during the