The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has said it is time to abandon austerity and build a fair recovery.
General Secretary David Begg said that the gains of Social Europe for working people were being dramatically eroded and undermined by what he described as "synchronised austerity across the European Union".
Mr Begg said that across Europe on May Day, including in Dublin, trade unions and progressive forces were mobilising “in favour of jobs and growth, in support of hope - and the chance of a decent future".
He said: "The citizens of Ireland and the citizens of Europe know full well that mass unemployment and widespread misery are no basis for recovery, let alone the building of a decent society and a better future for all."