Trade unions in Germany condemn xenophobia on May 1

The Confederation of German Trade Unions (DGB) condemned xenophobia and right-wing extremism during their traditional annual Labor Day rally on Sunday. "The demands of right-wing extremists have nothing to do with social cohesion, social justice, fair globalization or solidarity," said DGB leader Reiner Hoffmann, referring to the congress of the populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) also taking place in the city over the weekend.

In particular, he criticized AfD's anti-refugee propaganda. The DGB rally also protested the abuse of temporary work contracts by employers.

Some 390,000 people attended more than 500 trade union events across the country, according to the DGB. Following a DGB rally in the northern city of Hamburg, around 100 protesters attacked police, pelting officers with stones and bottles. Thousands of protesters gathered in Berlin's traditionally left-wing Kreuzberg district for the annual street party and for the Revolutionary May 1 Demonstration. Organizers said 20,000 people took part, while police put the figure at 13,000. Following the demonstration, several demonstrators attacked police, who then made multiple arrests.

The Berlin district has become known for May Day violence in recent years, but police described this year's scene as largely positive. Clashes were also reported from a rally by the far-right National Democratic Party (NPD) in the western German city of Bochum, where anti-racist counter-protestors injured two police by throwing stones.

In the eastern city of Plauen several people were injured when right-wing and left-wing protesters clashed with police. Security forces called the incident a "massive outbreak of violence," as neo-Nazis from all over Germany had gathered in the city.