**September 1, 2024** — On the anniversary of the start of World War II, workers and trade unions across the globe have mobilized for the 2024 International Action Day for Peace, organized by the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU). This day of action calls for an end to imperialist wars and a redirection of resources from military expenditure to meeting the needs of people.The WFTU, representing 105 million workers from 133 countries, has issued a strong condemnation of NATO’s increased military budget, which has surged by 12% in 2024 to 2.03 billion Euros, with an 18.2% increase in its civil budget. The surge reflects a troubling trend towards a ‘war economy’ among NATO member states, with military spending in Europe and Canada rising by 18% this year. Additionally, 23 member states are allocating at least 2% of their GDP to military expenditures.This escalation in military spending stands in stark contrast to the rising costs of living, inflation, and long-term austerity faced by workers and low-income families worldwide. The WFTU denounced the negative impact of military budgets on the living standards of ordinary people and condemned the imposition of sanctions and embargoes by the US, NATO, and the EU, which exacerbate the plight of vulnerable communities.The WFTU also highlighted the urgent need to address ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises, including the wars in Ukraine, Yemen, and Sudan, and the ongoing violence in the Middle East. The federation called for an immediate ceasefire and an end to all military campaigns, including those conducted by Israel in Palestine. It demanded the cessation of Israeli military actions, adherence to international legal obligations, and a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.Emphasizing that supporting NATO and similar military coalitions equates to backing imperialist agendas, the WFTU reiterated its call for the dissolution of NATO and the complete abolition of nuclear weapons. The federation urged a shift towards prioritizing peace, sovereignty, and international solidarity over war and exploitation.V. Krishna Mohan, National Chairman of the Confederation of Central Government Gazetted Officers Organisations (CCGGOO) and Secretary of the All Pensioners and Retired Persons Association (TAPRPA), expressed gratitude to workers and trade unions for their active participation in the International Action Day for Peace. Mohan stressed the need for global unity in the fight against imperialism and the pursuit of a world free from conflict and exploitation.