Workers groups gather for nationwide Labor Day 2026 protests

Various workers’ groups gathered across the country on Friday to mark Labor Day 2026, staging rallies and preparing for marches to press for higher wages, job security, and other demands. 

At Welcome Rotonda, along the boundary of Quezon City and Manila, a growing number of workers assembled for a program highlighting labor issues, Allan Gatus reported on Super Radyo dzBB.

𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗬 𝗦𝗔 𝗤𝗖Iba’t ibang grupong makikibahagi sa mga aktibidad ngayong Araw ng Paggaawa, patuloy ang pagdating sa Mabuhay Rotunda sa Quezon City. | via @allangatus pic.twitter.com/0VXGqSieoE

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) April 30, 2026

Participants from different industries continued to arrive as of morning, with organizers expecting the crowd to swell further before proceeding to Mendiola. 

The protesters’ calls focused on long-standing labor concerns, including “living wage” and improved benefits.

Authorities deployed additional personnel from the Quezon City Police District to secure the area as the number of protesters increased. 

Traffic in parts of Welcome Rotonda slowed as one lane was occupied by protesters.

Personnel from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Quezon City Traffic and Transport Management Department were also on site to manage traffic flow.

In Manila, meanwhile, several labor groups started gathering along España Boulevard for a separate assembly ahead of a coordinated march.

According to a report by Christian Maño on Super Radyo dzBB, the groups include Kilusang Mayo Uno, Piston, and the BPO Industry Employees Network. 

𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗦𝗔 𝗔𝗧 𝗞𝗜𝗟𝗢𝗦-𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗔Ilang grupo ng manggagawa, nagsimula nang magtipon-tipon sa bahagi ng España Boulevard sa Maynila para sa gagawing martsa at kilos-protesta. | via @xtian_mano pic.twitter.com/yi1jxogoqw

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) April 30, 2026

They are set to begin their march at around 8 a.m.

The protesters reiterated calls for a living wage and job regularization, among other labor rights issues. 

Rallyists occupied one lane of España Boulevard  as they continued preparations and waited for other groups to arrive.

Motorists passing through the area were seen honking their horns in support of the demonstrators.

The activities form part of the commemoration of the 124th Labor Day. 

The Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier said its offices and units nationwide are under full alert status starting Thursday to ensure the safety and security of Labor Day activities.

Over 106,000 police personnel have been deployed.

Under full alert status, all units and personnel are directed to maintain maximum readiness to perform their duties.

Full alert status also means suspending personnel leaves, maximizing police force deployment, and enhancing police visibility in key areas.

No threats have been monitored so far in connection with the observance of Labor Day, according to the PNP. —AOL, GMA News