The International Trade Union Confederation has declared a global mobilization beginning today, May 1, International Workers’ Day, urging working people across the world to rise and present an alternative to what it calls the “billionaire vision” of society.
In solidarity events taking place globally, the trade union movement is sending a strong message: there is a different path, one anchored in solidarity, democracy, and dignity.
The campaign comes amid increasing concerns about rising inequality and the shrinking space for democratic governance.
ITUC emphasized that May Day marks the start of coordinated actions by trade unions to deliver their demands directly to national governments.
A week later, on May 8, 2025, which coincides with the 80th anniversary of the defeat of fascism in World War II, the organization will elevate those demands to the global stage.
On that day, ITUC plans to sound the alarm over what it calls the “billionaire coup”, a system manipulated by a tiny elite that threatens communities and democracy itself.
World leaders will be called upon to back a New Social Contract that puts people before profits.
The union’s campaign, titled “The Billionaire Coup Against Democracy,” lays bare how billionaires manipulate systems—buying politicians, avoiding taxes, exploiting labor, spreading division, and degrading the planet—all while reaping enormous profits. ITUC insists this trajectory is not set in stone, declaring that workers are organizing to reclaim a future that works for all.
“Around the world, workers are being denied the basics of life, well-funded hospitals and schools, living wages, and freedom of movement, while billionaires enjoy record profits and unimaginable power. A system built for the 0.0001% is rigged against the rest of us. But workers worldwide are standing up and organizing to reclaim democracy,” said ITUC General Secretary, Luc Triangle.
Triangle added that workers are demanding a system overhaul, one that is fair and inclusive.
“Workers are demanding a New Social Contract that works for them, not for the billionaires undermining democracy. Fair taxation, strong public services, living wages, and a just transition are not radical demands, they are the foundation of a just society.”
The ITUC laid out its workers-led vision for a fairer world, contrasting the privileges enjoyed by the elite with the struggles of the majority:
Fair taxation: The richest must pay their share so workers don’t bear the burden alone.
Strong regulations: To ensure safety at work, and protect against pollution, financial scams, and discrimination.
Quality education: A right for all, not a privilege for the few.
Accessible, quality public services: To power and sustain our communities.
Universal social protection: Including healthcare and pensions for everyone.
Living wages: One job should be enough to live with dignity.
Good, sustainable jobs: To meet community needs and protect the planet.
Freedom and equality for all: Live and work without fear or discrimination.
Peace and solidarity: Not billionaire-fueled division and violence.
The right to move, work, and live free from exploitation: Not criminalization.
The ITUC’s global movement is a rallying cry for justice, equality, and the restoration of true democracy—where governance serves the people, not the privileged few.
