Queensland workers protest for higher wages

Thousands of workers have marched through the streets of Brisbane calling for a pay rise and the return of penalty rates.

Rallies were also held across regional Queensland on Monday to mark the 128th year of Labour Day in the state, with unionists and protesters calling for better job security and higher wages.

Queensland Council of Unions general secretary Ros McLennan says people are struggling to make ends meet under current work conditions.

"They are stuck in labour hire, casual work or on sham contracts," she said.

Ms McLennan said it was common for workers to live week to week, making it hard to map out their financial futures.