In pictures: Workers unite for May Day

In Bangladesh, a worker wore his literal chains at a rally demanding minimum wage increases and improved worker safety

May Day, an ancient spring festival in many nations, is also international workers' day, or "labour day".

On 1 May every year, workers of the world unite and rally in support of trade unionisation and better working conditions.

Originally chosen by socialist, labour and communist organisations, the commemorative date has spread across the globe.

The Iraqi Communist party took to the streets of Baghdad with the hammer and sickle symbol

In Cannes, France's far-right leader Marine Le Pen lays a wreath before a statue of Joan of Arc - a tradition of her party every 1 May

A right-wing AfD rally in Berlin, meanwhile, was met with a counter-demonstration (seen here) and a hefty police presence

Aside from the labour rallies, a distinct British tradition: Leicester Morrismen throw their hats in the air at Bradgate Park

Many placards, like this one in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, called for increased women's rights

In Russia, a "sailor" performs as the crowd gathers in Moscow...

...followed by a march of left-wing parties and political movements

Indian trade union members shouted slogans at their own rally to mark the day

In Hong Kong, Indonesian migrant workers at a May Day rally called for breaks between shifts that are guaranteed in other countries

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