This May Day 2025, the global trade union movement is taking this message to the streets: There is an alternative to the billionaire vision of the world.
As inequality deepens and democracy is undermined by a tiny elite, working people are rising up with a bold, hopeful plan for a just future – a vision built on solidarity, dignity and democracy that delivers.
On May 1, trade unions will mobilise to take their demands to their governments. One week later, the ITUC will elevate these demands to the global level. We will address the leaders of the world on 8 May 2025, marking 80 years since the defeat of fascism in the Second World War, to sound the alarm against the billionaire coup and the catastrophe it is bringing to our communities. The ITUC will push for our alternative—for democracy that delivers and a New Social Contract. The ITUC will call on heads of key governments and global institutions to take urgent action .
Our campaign on the Billionaire Coup Against Democracy shows how the system is rigged. Billionaires buy politicians to write rules for themselves, to dodge taxes, exploit workers, fuel division, pollute our environment and destroy public services– all while raking in obscene profits. But this future is not inevitable. Workers have a different vision that puts people and planet first.
“Around the world, workers are being denied the basics of life like well-funded hospitals and schools, living wages and freedom to move, while billionaires pocket record profits and unimaginable power. A system built for the 0.0001% is rigged against the rest of us – but workers around the world are standing up and organising to take back democracy,” said Luc Triangle, ITUC General Secretary.
“Workers are demanding a New Social Contract that works for them – not 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.”
A vision for a better world from workers’ trade unions
No taxes for them, but more taxes for us
➡️ Fair taxation – where the richest pay the most, and workers aren’t left to carry the burden.
No regulations for their companies, but more regulation of our lives
➡️ Strong regulations – to keep us safe at work, safe from pollution, financial scams, and discrimination.
Elite private schools for their children, but underfunded schools for ours
➡️ Quality education – not a privilege for the few, but a right for all.
Luxury services for them, but gutted public services for us
➡️ Affordable, quality public services – to power and sustain our communities.
World-class healthcare and comfortable retirements for them, but no safety net for us
➡️ Universal social protection – including healthcare and decent pensions for everyone.
Multi-million-dollar bonuses for them, but poverty wages for workers
➡️ Living wages – one job should be enough to live with dignity.
Climate lies and luxury space travel for them, but deadly climate change for us
➡️ Good, sustainable jobs – to meet community needs and protect the planet.
Total personal freedom for them, but no equality for women and the most exploited
➡️ Freedom and equality for all – to live and work without fear or discrimination.
Private security and safe havens for them, but “brute force” and threats of war for us
➡️ Peace and solidarity – not billionaire-fuelled hate, war and division.
A world without borders for their businesses, but a world of prisons and walls for migrants
➡️ The right to move, work and live free from exploitation – not criminalisation.
This is not just a call to action. It’s a global movement to reclaim democracy and build an economy that works for everyone.
