‘Autumn Struggle’ Marchers Call for Peace, Better Living Conditions.

Taipei: Around 200 people took part in the "Autumn Struggle" march in Taipei Sunday calling for peace and the improvement of living conditions in Taiwan, according to organizers of the event. Traditionally one of Taiwan's main labor demonstrations but now also focused on social issues, the annual Autumn Struggle event began outside the National Central Library with music and speeches by representatives of different groups on a wide range of social issues. The main demands this year were peace and putting people's livelihoods first. According to Focus Taiwan, Huang Te-pei, a convenor of the march, addressed participants about the event's anti-war stance, highlighting ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Africa, as well as the tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Huang suggested the crisis across the Taiwan Strait could also be an opportunity to improve the situation. He emphasized that "Taiwan should not be a pawn of the United States" amid tensions between Washington and Beijing. Huang also discusse d the challenges faced by workers, such as deteriorating working conditions, long working hours, and low pay. He questioned how people could cope with high housing prices and inflation and urged the government to focus on social reforms that improve living conditions. The marchers proceeded to Taipei Main Station and concluded the event at Ketagalan Boulevard in front of the Presidential Office with more songs and speeches. According to the Autumn Struggle's Facebook page, the march traces its origins to a protest by labor groups in November 1988. It became an annual labor rights event in 1993 but was suspended starting in 2005 before the organizers expanded the focus to social issues in 2009. This year's organizers include the Taiwan International Workers' Association, an environmental protection alliance in Pingtung County, and the Collective of Sex Workers and Supporters.