Dozens of labor unions organized protests for May day. In Japan, 36,000 Trade Union Confederation members and supporters gathered in Tokyo park demanding pay increases and better job security. In Turkey, additional protestors faced tear gas and water cannons as police attempted to stop workers from rallying in Taksim Square in Istanbul. In France, unions marched in hundreds of cities throughout the country. This year, eight French unions presented a united front, and marched together.
See "Marches and protests mark May Day", United Press International, April 30, 2009