ISTANBUL - The masses have started to gather at two different points for the May Day rally to be held at Kadıköy Rıhtım Square. Labourers shouting their demands for "labour, peace and democracy" are waiting for the time of the march.
Citizens have started to gather for the 1 May Worker's Day rally to be held at Rıhtım Square in Kadıköy district of Istanbul. Confederation of the Progressive Trade Unions (DISK), Confederation of Public Laborers' Unions (KESK), Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) and Turkish Medical Association (TTB) are leading the rally.
The slogan of this year's rally is "We will win for labour, peace, democracy and justice".
TWO SEPARATE ASSEMBLY POINTS
For the rally, which is expected to start at 11.00 am, Söğütlüçeşme Station and in front of Haydarpaşa Numune Hospital have been designated as gathering areas.
Unions affiliated to KESK, Peoples' Democratic Congress (HDK), Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, Free Women's Movement (Tevgera Jinên Azad-TJA) and I Need Peace Initiative gathered at Söğütlüçeşme Station. Hundreds of people started to gather at this point early in the morning. Professional, women's and youth organisations carried many banners and placards with different demands.
The crowd frequently chanted slogans such as "Shoulder to shoulder against fascism" and "No salvation, all together or none of us", while the enthusiasm in the area is gradually increasing. DISK, TTB, TMMOB, Republican People's Party (CHP) and Labour Party (EMEP) also gathered in front of Haydarpaşa Numune Hospital.
At 2 different points, the number of the masses is increasing every minute.