The demonstration was organized by the Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia (LBAS). Protesters held banners reading "For a decent salary" or "We will not be silent! Everyone must receive affordable and quality healthcare" as well as "Our silence — harms your health" and others.
Latvian medical workers complain of “years of underpaid work”, education workers saying much the same at May 1 rally in Riga.
— juriskazha (@juriskazha) 1 мая 2016 г.
Head of LBAS Peteris Krigers, speaking to the gathering said that the situation with healthcare and education is a threat to a national security of Latvia.
"National security is threatened — queues for medical services and low salaries of police and teachers do not contribute to the feeling of safety in Latvia," Krigers said, adding that doctors and teachers will go on strike if the requirements of the protesters are not heard by the government.
The demonstration was peaceful, no violent incidents were reported.
