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CEO Pay Rose 20 Times Faster Than Worker Wages in 2025; May Day Protests Held
A new analysis revealed CEO compensation surged 54% from 2019 to 2025 while global worker pay fell 12% when adjusted for inflation. Workers and unions marked May Day 2026 with rallies worldwide, highlighting widening inequality. In Africa, trade unions called for better tax systems and labor rights to address economic hardships.
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Workers, activists and trade unions around the world marked May Day with rallies on Friday, May 1, 2026, as concerns over inequality and economic hardship mounted across regions. ITUC-Africa raised concern over worsening inequality and economic hardship across Africa on May 1, 2026.
The organization stated that Africa faces a growing imbalance in wealth distribution where economic gains are concentrated among a small segment of society.
ITUC-Africa also noted that significant financial resources are lost annually in Africa through tax avoidance, capital flight, and governance gaps. Workers in several African countries face unemployment pressures, inflationary trends, and shrinking economic prospects, according to ITUC-Africa.
Ongoing conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mali disrupt livelihoods and labour systems in Africa.
ITUC-Africa called for improved tax systems, stronger financial oversight, and measures to curb illicit financial outflows in Africa. ITUC-Africa urged African governments to prioritise industrial development, value addition, and regional trade over raw material exports.
The organization highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a framework for strengthening intra-African trade and creating employment opportunities.
ITUC-Africa called for expanded investment in energy infrastructure, improved social protection systems, stronger labour rights, and fair migration policies in Africa. Continued inequality could accelerate skilled labour migration from Africa, according to ITUC-Africa. The organization urged workers and trade unions to remain organised and engaged in advocating for accountability and reforms.
Addressing inequality and strengthening governance systems remain critical to ensuring inclusive and sustainable economic growth across Africa, according to ITUC-Africa on May 1, 2026. CEO pay increased 20 times faster than worker pay around the world in 2025. Global worker pay declined 12% between 2019 and 2025 when adjusted for inflation.
