Thousands of workers mark May Day

May Day, known also as International Workers' Day, is being celebrated across the world, with demonstrations and protests taking place in many countries. Many Asian and European stock markets are closed Thursday in observance.

May Day rallies are also planned across the USA, including a large one in Washington D.C. that will see a march from Union Station to the Capitol building and then on to the White House.

ISTANBUL

Police in Turkey used tear gas and water canon to disperse demonstrators pledging to defy a ban on protests in Taksim Square. Taksim, the city's most iconic square, carries significant importance for May Day. In 1977, 34 people were killed in the square when shots were fired into the crowd from a nearby building.

PHNOM PENH

Nearly 1,000 factory workers and supporters of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party gathered on the streets outside the the Cambodian capital's Freedom Park. A ban on demonstrations has been in place since January, following numerous labor protests for a higher minimum wage and opposition demonstrations denouncing last July's general election as rigged. Security forces beat demonstrators on Thursday, with at least five people injured.

JAKARTA

Around 50,000 workers intend to hold rallies in the Indonesian capital over the next two days and police have deployed nearly 20,000 officers to maintain order. Stagnant incomes, poor retirement and health insurances and rising transportation and housing costs are some of the items that demonstrators want the government to address.

BANGKOK

Thai laborers called on the government to improve working and living standards. They are also seeking a rise in the minimum wage. On Wednesday, Thailand's government and the state Election Commission agreed to hold elections on July 20.

MOSCOW

A huge rally took place on Red Square, the first time that has happened since 1991. As many as 2 million people were expected to be on hand for the event organized by Russian labor unions, which are mostly loyal to the Kremlin. The parade was led by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin and around 100, 000 people took part.

BERLIN

In years past, Germany's capital city has seen police cars overturned and dozens of arrests on May 1. This year may be somewhat calmer with neo-Nazi groups said to have cancelled a planned march. Clashes between the far-right and leftist activists can't be ruled out, however.

Read more at: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/05/01/may-day-demonstrations/8550763/

A Russian T-90 tank travels along Tverskaya street in Moscow on April 29 during a rehearsal for the Victory Day parade.  (Photo: Sergei Ilnisky, epa)