Workers Memorial Day

Thursday, 28 April 2016

The purpose behind Workers' Memorial Day has always been to "remember the dead: fight for the living" and unions are asked to focus on both areas, by considering events or memorial to remember all those killed through work but at the same time ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated. That can best be done by building trade union organisation, and campaigning for stricter enforcement with higher penalties for breaches of health & safety laws.

Workers Memorial Day is commemorated throughout the world and is officially recognised by the UK Government.

In 2016 the theme for the day is "Strong Laws - Strong enforcement - Strong Unions" because across the world we are seeing growing attacks on health and safety protection, including in Britain where the Government have removed protection form millions of self-employed workers, and across Europe where the European Commission are pursuing a dangerous de-regulatory strategy.

However strong laws are not enough if they are not going to be enforced. That is why we need proper inspections and enforcement action against those who break the laws. Here in the UK the number of inspections has fallen dramatically in the past five years, however in many other countries enforcement has always been non-existent. That is why we also need strong unions. Unionised workplaces are safer, yet the Government is trying to stop unions protecting the health and safety of their members by restricting the right of health and safety representatives to take time off to keep the workplace safer, and also trying to reduce our right to strike when things go wrong.

LOCAL EVENTS:

Wirral

The Leader of the Council has given permission for all staff to take a 2 minute silence at 12.00noon on Thursday 28 April.  Please take this short period of time to remember those no longer with us and resolve to continue to fight for the living. 

Manchester

Rally in Albert Square at 12 noon to 13.00.

Speakers include: Kevan Nelson, UNISON; Ian Hodson President BFAWU; Union safety reps, Families of those killed by work, Phil Liptrot, Thompsons Solicitors, and local MPs. There will be a reading of the names of those killed at work, Laying of wreaths and one minutes silence. Music by Claire Mooney.

Liverpool

Rally at Liverpool Mann Island, on the South Piazza of Georges Dock Building, (Corner of Mann Island and the Strand), Pier Head, Liverpool L3 1DD. Assemble at 11.00am with rolling programme of events throughout the day with the Bob Tressell Festival. Speakers to be confirmed.