1.7 mln people to take part in May Day trade union gatherings in Russia

1.7 million people will take part in May Day trade union gatherings in Russia, Mikhail Shmakov, chairman of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia, said on Wednesday.

According to him, rallies and marches to mark the International Workers’ Day will be held in more than 1,000 cities and towns across Russia.

Shmakov recalled that the holiday was established in 1889 to pay tribute to Chicago’s workers striking for an eight hour day.
He said that more than 80,000 people will take part in May Day celebrations in Moscow which will witnesses a large-scale rally of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions, attended by representatives of the United Russia party and the All-Russia People’s Front.
Separately, May Day actions will be held by the Communist Party, Liberal Democratic Party, A Just Russia Party, and various public organizations.