INT'L LABOUR DAY-RUSSIA:

[Flabbergasted]

http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=33067

May Day Again, Sort Of
Kester Kenn Klomegah

MOSCOW, Apr 29 (IPS) - Tens of thousands will take to streets already lined with workers flags in Russia May Day to demand a better life in all sorts of ways.

It used to be the day of the workers. So the communists will again be out on the streets, but in the company of liberals, nationalists and human rights activists. Their collective demands range from better wages and payment of overdue salaries to housing, political freedom, and democracy.

May 1, known as the Day of Workers' Solidarity in Soviet times, was renamed in 1996 as the Day of Peace and Labour by first Russian President Boris Yeltsin. This year marks the 120th anniversary of May Day parades.

Some 2.5 million people are expected to march through Russia's streets, the Confederation of Trade Unions, an umbrella group, said in a statement. About 700 rallies will be held across the country.