⚠️Se aproxima el 2⃣8⃣ de abril, Día internacional en memoria de los trabajadores fallecidos y heridos.
ℹ️Descubre aquí cómo unirte a la campaña para hacer de la salud y la seguridad un derecho laboral fundamental:https://t.co/z6F3H6zR2l
— IndustriALL (@IndustriALL_GU) April 26, 2021
Health and safety is your right.
28 April – Workers Memorial Day
Health&Safety is YOUR RIGHT 2
Protection from
?#COVID19
?Heavy lifting
?Dangerous substances
?Stress, harassment & bullying
Trade unions fighting ✊ every day for safe&healthy workplaces for all workers#IWMD21 #SaveLivesAtWork@ituc @etuc_ces pic.twitter.com/RyOWGWoi2e— kesk international (@kesk_int) April 25, 2021
After a year of COVID-19, a National Day of Mourning for workers who died or were injured on the job isn’t enough for some labour activists in Greater Toronto.
They want a whole week, from Sunday, April 25, to Saturday, May 1, declared a “week of pause” in Ontario.
There’s no accurate count of everyone — farm labourers, Amazon associates, personal support workers, nurses, bus drivers, cleaners, restaurant servers — who lost their lives or suffered over the pandemic after catching the virus at work, but it dwarfs tolls commemorated during past Days of Mourning in Ontario.
It was the Tamil Workers Network, volunteers working with the Toronto and York Region Labour Council, which first proposed going beyond the Day of Mourning on April 28 to “make Ontario pause, reflect on the power of its workers and the respect they deserve.”
Jennifer Huang, representing the labour council’s Chinese Workers Network, called the Tamil workers’ letter timely. “There’s a whole bunch of things (in it) we wholeheartedly agree with,” said Huang, who said her group will likely write its own open letter to the province asking for similar things. I think workers need to speak out,” said Huang, who said besides the virus, many workers have had to deal during the past year at work with “a skin pandemic” of energy-sapping racism that is mentally and emotionally taxing.
“Sometimes, the injuries we bear are not just physical” but mental or emotional, she said.
Scarborough Mirror.
https://www.toronto.com/news-story/10380563-tamil-and-chinese-workers-networks-hope-to-pause-ontario-from-april-25-to-may-1/
CTSP (Mauritius) held a virtual activity on Saturday 24 April. The activity had a series of other connected activities, ie. local and national level:
Jane Ragoo
General Secretary – CTSP (Mauritius) Confédération des Travailleurs des Secteurs Publique et Privé
5 Nalla Street (Ex 6-10), Elias Street – Rose Hill, Republic of Mauritius
April 28 is Workers’ Memorial Day.
Remembrance and Resistance: Struggle for Health, Safety, Livelihood and Rights!
After more than a year of the longest lockdown in the world, Covid-19 cases in the Philippines continue to rise, peaking at 15,000 in just one day. The socio-economic conditions continue to worsen, while the country’s already weak healthcare system has completely broken down. As we near April 28 International Workers’ Memorial Day and May 1 International Labour Day, we strengthen our demands to save workers’ lives.
The government has failed to strengthen the country’s healthcare system. Hospitals are overwhelmed and overran due to lack of facilities, equipment, and staff. Hospital beds are fully booked with Covid patients, leaving no room for other sick and even emergency cases. Last year, an estimate of 1,245 healthcare workers were infected, 27 of whom had died (21 doctors and 6 nurses). We have then demanded to fast-track and prioritize the protection of health workers and other front liners through production and distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE), and implementing hazard benefits and mass hiring. Yet, as of April 11 this year, the number of infected healthcare workers reached 16, 510 while a total of 86 had died.
The government has failed to protect workers’ safety and health. While countries all over the world underwent economic crisis due to work stoppage, workers bore the brunt of reviving the receding economies. In the name of doing business, workers’ safety and lives have been traded off.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recorded 7,781 confirmed Covid cases in 2,234 workplaces. While this does not present the actual total number of infected, especially due to lack of mass testing and aggressive contact tracing, the highest recorded cases belong to regions of big labor force population. In the recent surge of Covid cases, the National Capital Region (NCR), Region IV-A, Region III and Region VII recorded the highest cases. These regions have the greatest number of manufacturing ecozones and information technology parks and centers. According the data of Department of Health (DOH), the age group 20-49 recorded the highest number of positive cases, presenting a high probability of these belonging to the labor force population.
Last year, when companies and workplaces went back to full operation, cases of Covid outbreak occurred in occupation sites such as Taguig Construction Site (300 construction workers), Metro Rail Transit (200 employees), business-processing outsource sites in different regions (415 workers), companies in special economic zones of Laguna (more than 400 workers), manufacturing company in Central Luzon (more than 200 workers), and a food manufacturing plant in Cavite (more than 700 tested positive.) For returning overseas Filipinos, a total of 16, 233 were tested positive as of April 11, fourteen of whom had died.
Amid the pandemic, workers’ health has become more vulnerable due to the economic systems in place. Without free mass testing and treatment, workers are not convinced to take the necessary measures to ensure their health and safety. This coupled with meager wages, lack of cash aid from the government, and “no work, no pay” scheme, contributes to the workers’ fear of losing daily income.
The Filipino workers continue to strengthen demands for health, safety, and social protection. Workers’ health and safety is government responsibility, yet our own government has brought us to the brink of death due to sickness and poverty. On this year’s International Workers’ Memorial Day, also known as World Day for Safety and Health, we remember those who have died due to the pandemic and government negligence, those who have laid their lives in the cause to improve and save workers’ lives. We mourn the dead, consolidate our ranks, and collectively demand:
Join the national day of action on April 28, 2021. Wear black shirt and join the social media protest by posting on your individual and organizational social media pages with our demands. At 6:00 PM, join the nationally coordinated candle lighting protest in your homes or offices, and post photos or videos on your pages. These activities will serve as build up actions for the upcoming Labour Day.
Remember the Dead, Fight for the Living! Save Workers’ Lives!
Occupational Safety and Health is a Fundamental Right!
Workers’ Safety from Covid-19 is Government Responsibility!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/170025585213/
April 28 is International Workers’ Memorial Day or Workers’ Mourning Day. This is the international day of remembrance and action for workers killed, disabled, injured or made unwell by their work.
Unions Tasmania Event (Hobart) – International Workers’ Memorial Day
28 April 2021
1pm, Franklin Square, Hobart
We invite the community to join with unions, families, and workers to commemorate International Workers’ Memorial Day (IWMD). This important day is marked annually around the world on April 28, an international day of remembrance and action for workers killed, disabled, injured, or made unwell by their work.
One death at work is one too many. Every worker has the right to go to work and come home safely.
Come along to pay your respects to those that didn’t make it home and join our calls for improved workplace safety laws in Tasmania.
Registration is not essential, but check in for COVID purposes will occur at the event.
1pm
More information can be found here.
Unions Tasmania Event (Launceston) – International Workers’ Memorial Day
28 April 2021
8am, Workers’ Memorial Park, Elizabeth Gardens on Invermay Rd (near UTAS Stadium), Launceston
We invite the community to join with unions, families, and workers to commemorate International Workers’ Memorial Day (IWMD). This important day is marked annually around the world on April 28, an international day of remembrance and action for workers killed, disabled, injured, or made unwell by their work.
One death at work is one too many. Every worker has the right to go to work and come home safely.
Come along to pay your respects to those that didn’t make it home and join our calls for improved workplace safety laws in Tasmania.
Registration is not essential, but check in for COVID purposes will occur at the event.
8am – BBQ breakfast provided.
More information can be found here.
Unions WA Event – International Workers’ Memorial Day
28 April 2021
10.30am, Solidarity Park, Harvest Terrace, West Perth
Come and remember those we’ve lost and fight for a fair and safe workplace for all.
Hosted by CFMEU WA, CPSU/CSA, AWU WA Branch, Unions WA.
10.30am
More information can be found here.
VTHC Event – International Workers’ Memorial Day
28 April 2021
10.30am, Victorian Trades Hall, 54 Victoria St, South Carlton, and online
Every year, Victorian Trades Hall Council hosts a memorial service to remember those Victorians who lost their lives at work.
Please join us on the 28th of April for International Workers Memorial Day 2021 to commemorate the workers we’ve lost in the past year.
The ceremony will include a minute’s silence at 11am and an opportunity to lay wreaths.
This event is a COVID safe event and numbers are capped, so RSVPs (and masks) are essential. The memorial service will be held in person at Trades Hall, however this is subject to change pending COVID conditions.
The event will also be broadcast live through the VTHC facebook page.
Remember the dead and fight like hell for the living.
10.30am – 11.15am
RSVP here.
Unions NT Event – International Workers’ Memorial Day
28 April 2021
11am-12.30pm – Raintree Park, Darwin
We invite you all for a day of remembrance for those that went to work, never to return.
We welcome all those affected by the loss of a loved one or simply anyone that wishes to mourn the dead and fight for the living!
Here in the NT, we have a 5 year (2014-2019) average of 4 work-related deaths a year – Safework.
Raintree Park, Darwin.
11am-12.30pm.
More information can be found here.
Unions NSW Event – International Workers’ Memorial Day
28 April 2021
11.55am – Online
You are invited to our online International Day of Mourning service with families and friends who have lost loved ones as a result of workplace incidents or occupational illnesses at work.
RSVP for a reminder text msg before the service starts.
The service provides everyone in NSW with the opportunity to attend and to ensure we are COVID safe, we will be commemorating the 2021 International Day of Mourning online.
We would like you to join the families and their friends to our online service at 11.55am (for a 12pm start) on Wednesday, 28 April 2021 via the International Day of Mourning website at: https://www.idm2021.com.au/
The thirty-minute service will contain messages from Unions NSW, members of the NSW Parliament, religious representatives and representatives from family members who have lost a loved one.
You will be able to interact and offer your condolences during the online service. The platform which we will be using will allow you to post your message on the day.
For more information or if you have trouble accessing the website, please email Mary at myaager@unionsnsw.org.au or contact her by phone on 0408 931 899. On behalf of Unions NSW & supported by the NSW Government.
11.55am
SA Unions Event – International Workers’ Memorial Day
28 April 2021
12pm, Steps of Parliament House, North Terrace, Adelaide
28th of April is International Workers’ Memorial Day. Come join us on the Steps of Parliament House to rally and show support. We will remember those whose lives have been lost at work and advocate for changes to Work Health and Safety Laws.
The rally will highlight; justice for injured or killed workers and the need for industrial manslaughter laws; protecting workplace mental health (act on suicides and sexual harassment); and improved safety rights for workers and their Representatives.
More information can be found here.
12pm
QCU Event – International Workers’ Memorial Day
28 April 2021
11am-12pm, Emma Miller Place, Roma St, Brisbane
Acknowledging the 17,000 frontline health workers lost globally during COVID and every worker who has died at work.
Further information can be found here.
11am-12pm
Unions ACT Event – International Workers’ Memorial Day
28 April 2021
9am-9.45am, National Workers Memorial, Parkes, Canberra
Mourn the Dead
Fight Like Hell for the Living
International Workers Memorial Day is the day we remember the workers who were killed and injured at work.
Join us at the National Workers Memorial in Parkes, on 28 April at 9am for a ceremony.
More information can be found here.
https://www.actu.org.au/ohs/events
News Release from Edinburgh Trade Union Council and Scottish Hazards (23 April 2021)
*******************************************************************
Edinburgh Trade Union Council and Scottish Hazards are organising activities to mark this year’s International Workers Memorial Day.
We are calling on people to observe a minutes silence at 11am at your workplace whether at home or elsewhere.
Wreaths and flowers will be laid at the Memorial Tree and Plaque in West Princes Street Gardens. Fifteen Edinburgh trade union organisations will lay wreaths including NUJ, UNISON, FBU,UCU, UNITE and EIS branches between 12 and 2pm.
Floral tributes will also be laid by the Protest in Harmony choir, Migrant Pride and Scottish Hazards. We are pleased that the Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Council will lay a wreath at 12.30pm.
Individuals can lay tributes in honour of loved ones who passed away during the COVID pandemic.
To mark the day the City of Edinburgh Council will lower its flags to half mast. Historic Environment Scotland will light up Edinburgh Castle in purple between dusk and midnight.
Lord Provost Frank Ross said:
“It will be my honour to lay a wreath on behalf of the people of Edinburgh and the Council to remember colleagues, friends, and relatives who have died, been injured or made ill by their work.
“Each year we remember the sacrifices of workers across the world and this year has special significance because of the ongoing pandemic. Key workers continue to work on the frontlines caring for those suffering from coronavirus or delivering vital public services putting their own lives at risk. It is vital that we all take a moment to think about those who are no longer with us and honour their memory.
“The Council has a long-standing commitment to marking International Workers’ Memorial Day, we recognise the importance of safe and healthy working conditions and we are fully committed to working towards this for our own employees and for all workers in the city.”
Kathy Jenkins, Secretary of Scottish Hazards said: “Workers Memorial Day is a day for all of us to remember those who have died through work and to pledge again our commitment to fight for improved health and safety for all workers. This is a truly international day which will be commemorated in well over 100 countries, many marking this day despite oppression and war. Countries, from Argentina and Albania through Iraq and indonesia, Myanmar, Palestine and the Phillipines to Venezuela and Zimbabwe.
The international theme for this year is “ Health and Safety is a fundamental human right” and our related Scottish theme “Fighting for the right to health and safety for all Scottish workers, today and everyday”
For workers and communities in Scotland and around the world, this year’s workers’ memorial day is especially poignant, as we remember all of those who have died from Covid-19 and, in particular the many thousands who contracted the virus through work – often in the service of others.”
For further information contact Des Loughney, Secretary of Edinburgh Trade Union Council at this email address or 07734012536.
À une période où une personne sur trois travaille depuis son domicile et que celles qui sont sur leur lieu de travail prennent des précautions particulières, le COVID-19 montre l’importance vitale de la santé et de la sécurité au travail.
Parmi les 530 000 décès dus au COVID-19 dans l’Union européenne* figurent des milliers de travailleurs qui l’ont contracté au travail. Nous pleurons leur perte et présentons nos condoléances et notre solidarité à leurs proches. Nous nous souvenons également de ceux qui sont morts l’année dernière d’un cancer ou d’une autre maladie ou d’un accident du travail : plus de 100 000 rien qu’en Europe.
Si la vaccination est porteuse d’espoir, la santé et la sécurité doivent rester une priorité absolue dans les mois à venir et au-delà. La santé et la sécurité ne sont pas des cadeaux des autorités ou d’un bon employeur : la santé et la sécurité au travail sont VOTRE droit. Un droit pour lequel les syndicats se battent !
Dans l’Union européenne, « tout travailleur a droit à des conditions de travail qui respectent sa santé, sa sécurité et sa dignité »**. Le droit communautaire***
Cela signifie que les employeurs sont responsables des risques évidents tels que l’exposition à des substances dangereuses, le port de charges lourdes ou les mouvements répétitifs, ainsi que d’autres risques moins largement reconnus tels que le stress lié au travail, le harcèlement et les brimades.
Malgré des droits clairs, la santé et la sécurité sont loin d’être une réalité pour tous les travailleurs. Un travailleur sur trois en Bulgarie, en Slovaquie et en Espagne et près de la moitié en République tchèque et en Grèce qui doivent porter des équipements de protection individuelle (EPI) au travail ne les reçoivent que parfois ou pas du tout. Pendant la crise du COVID, de nombreux travailleurs essentiels, parmi lesquels les femmes sont surreprésentées dans les secteurs des soins et du nettoyage, n’ont pas reçu d’EPI adéquat. Il en va de même pour les travailleurs précaires, dont la protection sociale limitée ne leur laisse pas d’autre choix que de continuer à travailler, même s’ils présentent des symptômes du coronavirus.
De nombreux travailleurs n’ont pas été en mesure de prendre de la distanciation sociale. Le travail à domicile comporte des risques, comme l’augmentation de la violence domestique (en hausse d’un tiers dans certains pays de l’UE pendant le confinement), l’impossibilité de se déconnecter pendant de longues heures et le manque d’équipements appropriés à la maison. La croissance des travailleurs sur les plateformes numériques laisse un nombre croissant de travailleurs sans équipement de protection adéquat — seuls 35 % des travailleurs de plateformes disent que leur plateforme a pris des mesures pour les aider lors de la pandémie.
Les syndicats et les délégués à la sécurité jouent un rôle essentiel pour garantir la santé et la sécurité. Tout travailleur qui se préoccupe de sa propre santé et de sa sécurité au travail devrait adhérer à un syndicat et se renseigner sur l’existence d’un délégué à la sécurité. Un syndicat peut contribuer à faire en sorte qu’un représentant pour la sécurité soit nommé et écouté par la direction.
Les syndicats se battent pour une meilleure santé et sécurité sur le lieu de travail et dans la loi. Les syndicats ont obtenu de l’UE des limites d’exposition professionnelle pour de nombreuses substances cancérigènes et se battent pour obtenir des limites plus strictes et cela pour davantage de substances. Les syndicats cherchent à renforcer les obligations légales des employeurs en matière de lutte contre le stress et les maux de dos (et autres troubles musculo-squelettiques). Les syndicats font également pression pour que l’Organisation internationale du travail (OIT) mette en œuvre la décision prise lors de sa conférence du centenaire en 2019 de faire de la sécurité et de la santé au travail un droit fondamental au travail.
La santé et la sécurité ne sont pas réservées à la Journée de commémoration des travailleurs ou même à la pandémie — c’est votre droit et c’est pour la vie — littéralement !
*À la date du 25 février 2021
**Charte des droits fondamentaux de l’Union européenne, art. 31
***Directive-cadre sur la santé et la sécurité au travail, 1989
