May Day around the globe

Thousands take to the streets of Hong Kong Thursday carrying signs that say "We Refuse to be working slaves."

They are demanding higher wages and better working conditions as part of the annual labor day protest.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) MARCH ORGANIZER AND LOCAL LEGISLATOR, LEE CHEUK-YAN, SAYING:

"It's a shame that such an affluent world city has a very third world level of labor protection.

In Communist Cuba, an air of celebration marks the first of May. Hundreds of thousands fill the streets on what is a national holiday in Cuba.

(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) CHILEAN CITIZEN, CAMILA TAPIA, SAYING:

"It something that you don't see elsewhere -- to be able to march freely on the open streets, without police repression, without repression from authorities. It's complete happiness, celebrations for the day of the workers. It's great."

In Seoul, thousands gather to sing and chant as they call for better labor conditions.

It's also a time for mourning a