Australia: Stop the pandemic, protect health and safety, save lives – ACTU

ACTU Assistant Secretary, Liam O’Brien has sent the following message regarding International Workers’ Memorial Day:

Every worker has the right to safe, healthy and respectful work. In times like COVID-19, these rights are more important than ever.

Next Tuesday on International Workers’ Memorial Day, we remember those who weren’t afforded this right. We remember those who were tragically injured and lost their lives at work.

This year’s global theme for International Workers’ Memorial Day is Stop the pandemic: Safety and health at work can save lives. This is an important opportunity to highlight what must be done to ensure workers’ health is protected during COVID-19, including psychological health.

Here’s some ways that you can get involved:

  1. Remember the dead, fight for the living

Attend an online International Worker’s Day memorial event on Tuesday 28 April.Click here to find your local event or activity.

  1. Remember those who passed away and acknowledge today’s struggle

Share your story on social media and use the hashtag #IWMD2020 [and #IWMD20]. It could be memories of someone close to you or a shout out to an essential worker.

  1. Fight for the future

Stay connected, join your union and continue the fight for health and safety, whether at work or working from home.

Everyone has a right to be safe and healthy, have a good, secure job and return to their family and friends at the end of the day. Australian Unions will never give up this fight.

In solidarity,

Liam O’Brien, Assistant Secretary