Category Archives: News

2024, 2024 North America, 2024 USA, Events listing, News

USA: Black Worker Initiative youth summit on Workers’ Memorial Day

On April 28th from noon to 4:30 p.m., Worksafe’s Black Worker Initiative is hosting a Youth Listening Summit at the Greenlining Institute in Downtown Oakland, California, to engage with young people ages 11-20. Youth Facilitators will lead discussions with youth on critical issues they face, from availability and quality of job opportunities and working conditions to environmental justice. Youth will be mentored to craft talking points and present their opinions and recommendations to a panel of ChangeMakers: California Labor Commissioner Lilia Garcia-Brower, Cal/OSHA Acting Chief Debra Lee, Assembly member Mia Bonta, District 2 Council President Nikki Fortunato Bas, and District 3 Council Member Carroll Fife. This event is a first for Worksafe, and we are very excited to hear from Bay Area youth! We are taking registration up to the day of the event so feel free to refer youth to the event website.

 https://www.blackworkerinitiative.com/youth_listening_summit/

2024 Europe, 2024 Global, Events listing, News

Global: Plus le syndicat est fort, plus le lieu de travail est sûr – industriALL

Chaque année, plus de trois millions de travailleurs et travailleuses meurent à cause de leur travail et des dizaines de millions d’autres sont blessés. La santé et la sécurité sur le lieu de travail sont un droit essentiel, trop souvent ignoré. C’est pourquoi IndustriALL a mis en lumière à la fois les échecs et les réussites dans ce domaine au cours du mois précédant le 28 avril, Journée internationale de commémoration des travailleurs.

L’essor de la révolution industrielle, il y a près de 250 ans, a entraîné de terribles conditions de travail dans des usines mal ventilées et dotées d’équipements dangereux. Les mauvaises conditions de travail ont poussé les salariés à former des syndicats et à exiger des conditions de travail sûres et saines. Le rôle des syndicats a été synonyme de cette évolution, la santé et la sécurité au travail étant le moteur des réponses à ces changements souvent perturbateurs.

La première législation sur la santé et la sécurité, la Health and Morals of Aprecentices Act, a été adoptée au Royaume-Uni en 1784 à la suite d’une épidémie de fièvre chez les ouvriers des filatures de coton.

En 1984, le Syndicat canadien de la fonction publique (SCFP) a institué le 28 avril comme journée d’hommage aux travailleurs tués ou blessés au travail, une journée qui a ensuite été reconnue au niveau international. En 2003, l’OIT a officiellement fait du 28 avril la Journée mondiale de la sécurité et de la santé au travail afin de promouvoir des conditions de travail saines et de mettre l’accent sur la prévention des accidents du travail.

La date du 28 avril symbolise les luttes pour la santé et la sécurité sur le lieu de travail dans le monde entier et a fait de cette thématique un pivot stratégique autour duquel syndiquer et bâtir des syndicats forts.

La boucle a été bouclée en 2022 avec la reconnaissance par l’OIT de la santé et de la sécurité comme principe et droit fondamental au travail, s’ajoutant aux quatre autres principes et droits fondamentaux au travail de l’OIT : la liberté d’association et la reconnaissance effective du droit de négociation collective ; l’élimination de toutes les formes de travail forcé ou obligatoire ; l’abolition effective du travail des enfants ; l’élimination de la discrimination en matière d’emploi et de profession.

La Convention n° 155 sur la sécurité et la santé des travailleurs, de 1981, et la convention n° 187 sur le cadre promotionnel pour la sécurité et la santé au travail, de 2006, sont désormais considérées comme des conventions fondamentales qui entérinent la santé et à la sécurité en tant que principe et droit fondamentaux au travail.

Glen Mpufane, Directeur pour la santé et de la sécurité d’IndustriALL, a déclaré à ce sujet :

“La reconnaissance par l’OIT de la santé et de la sécurité comme principe fondamental et droit au travail est une victoire pour les travailleurs du monde entier découlant les luttes des travailleurs et travailleuses. C’est aussi un témoignage et un hommage à leurs longues années de leur lutte pour améliorer leurs conditions de santé et de sécurité sur le lieu de travail.

La santé et la sécurité au travail ne sont ni un avantage à négocier ni une faveur à demander. C’est un droit.”

Le plan d’action du Congrès 2021-2025 d’IndustriALL sur l’avancement des droits des travailleurs s’inscrit dans la lignée des luttes des travailleurs à travers le temps pour l’amélioration de leurs conditions de travail en mettant l’accent sur les droits fondamentaux à la liberté d’association et le droit à la négociation collective, ainsi qu’un salaire minimum adéquat, des limites maximales au temps de travail et la sécurité et la santé sur le lieu de travail.

IndustriALL fait campagne et promeut une approche de la santé et de la sécurité au travail fondée sur le droit, qui inclut :

  • la ratification et la mise en œuvre des conventions de l’OIT sur la santé et la sécurité dans tous les secteurs pour lesquels elle est compétente
  • une mobilisation pour l’adoption, dans l’idéal, d’une convention sur la sécurité et la protection de la santé contre les risques biologiques
  • la mise en œuvre de la Convention de Hong Kong

https://www.industriall-union.org/fr/plus-le-syndicat-est-fort-plus-le-lieu-de-travail-est-sur

2024, 2024 Global, Events listing, News

Global: Cuanto más fuerte es el sindicato, más seguro es el lugar de trabajo – IndustriALL

Las cifras son alarmantes: se estima que más de 3 millones de personas mueren cada año a causa de su trabajo, mientras que decenas de millones resultan heridas. La salud y la seguridad en el lugar de trabajo es un derecho crucial ignorado demasiado a menudo. Por este motivo, en la antesala del Día Mundial de la Seguridad y la Salud en el Trabajo, que se celebrará el 28 de abril, IndustriALL pondrá el foco tanto en los fracasos como en los éxitos con respecto a este tema.

El auge de la Revolución Industrial, iniciada hace casi 250 años, trajo consigo condiciones de trabajo terribles, fábricas con mala ventilación y equipos peligrosos. Estas condiciones de trabajo nocivas llevaron a los trabajadores a formar sindicatos y exigir un entorno laboral seguro y saludable. El papel de los sindicatos ha sido sinónimo de esa evolución, y la salud y la seguridad en el trabajo han impulsado las respuestas a quienes buscan obstaculizar los avances.

La primera legislación en materia de salud y seguridad, la Ley de Salud y Moral de los Aprendices, de 1784, se promulgó en el Reino Unido como respuesta al brote de fiebre entre los trabajadores de las fábricas de algodón.

En 1984, el Sindicato Canadiense de Empleados Públicos (CUPE) estableció el 28 de abril como un día para conmemorar a los trabajadores fallecidos o heridos en el trabajo, fecha que posteriormente obtuvo reconocimiento a nivel internacional. En 2003, la OIT fijó oficialmente el 28 de abril como Día Mundial de la Seguridad y la Salud en el Trabajo para promover condiciones de trabajo saludables y poner el foco en la prevención de los accidentes laborales.

El 28 de abril simboliza las luchas por la salud y la seguridad en el lugar de trabajo en todo el mundo, y convierte este tema en un eje estratégico en torno al cual sindicalizar y construir sindicatos fuertes.

La lucha llegó a un punto clave en 2022, cuando la OIT reconoció la salud y la seguridad como un principio y derecho fundamental en el trabajo y la incorporó a los otros cuatro ya declarados por esta organización: la libertad de asociación y la libertad sindical y el reconocimiento efectivo del derecho de negociación colectiva; la eliminación de todas las formas de trabajo forzoso u obligatorio; la abolición efectiva del trabajo infantil y la eliminación de la discriminación en materia de empleo y ocupación.

Actualmente, el Convenio sobre seguridad y salud de los trabajadores de 1981 (núm. 155) y el Convenio sobre el marco promocional para la seguridad y salud en el trabajo de 2006 (núm. 187) se consideran convenios fundamentales para dar efecto a la salud y la seguridad como un principio y derecho fundamental en el trabajo.

Glen Mpufane, director de salud y seguridad de IndustriALL, expresó:

“El reconocimiento por parte de la OIT de la salud y la seguridad como un principio y derecho fundamental en el trabajo es una victoria para la lucha de los trabajadores de todo el mundo. También es un testimonio y homenaje a los sucesivos años de lucha obrera por mejorar las condiciones de salud y seguridad en el lugar de trabajo.

La salud y la seguridad en el trabajo no es un beneficio por el cual negociar ni un favor que se debe pedir. Es nuestro derecho”.

El plan de acción del Congreso de 2021-2025 de IndustriALL Global Union sobre la promoción de los derechos laborales es coherente con las luchas de los trabajadores a lo largo de los años por la mejora de las condiciones de trabajo. Este se centra en los derechos fundamentales a la libertad sindical y la negociación colectiva, así como en la fijación de un salario mínimo adecuado, la limitación de la jornada laboral, y la salud y la seguridad en el trabajo.

IndustriALL está promoviendo y haciendo campaña por un enfoque basado en derechos que incluye las siguientes cuestiones:

  • La ratificación e implementación de los Convenios de la OIT sobre seguridad y salud en todos los sectores en los que está presente
  • El apoyo a la adopción de un convenio, idealmente sobre la protección de la salud y la seguridad contra los riesgos biológicos
  • La implementación del Convenio de Hong Kong

https://www.industriall-union.org/es/cuanto-mas-fuerte-es-el-sindicato-mas-seguro-es-el-lugar-de-trabajo

2024, 2024 Global, Events listing, News

Global: The stronger the union, the safer the workplace – IndustriALL

A staggering more than 3 million workers die every year because of their work, and tens of millions are injured. Health and safety in the workplace is a crucial right, all too often ignored, which is why IndustriALL has put the spotlight on both failures and successes in the month leading up to 28 April, International Workers’ Memorial Day.

The rise of the industrial revolution nearly 250 years ago brought terrible working conditions with manufacturing facilities with poor ventilation and dangerous equipment. Poor working conditions drove employees to form unions and demand safe and healthy conditions. The role of trade unions has been synonymous with that evolution, with occupational health and safety driving responses to those often, disrupting changes.

The first legislation on health and safety, in 1784, the health and morals of Aprecentices Act, was established in the United Kingdom in response to fever outbreak among cotton mill workers.
In 1984, the Canadian Public Employees Union, (CUPE) established 28 April as a day to honour workers killed or injured on the job, a day which subsequently gained international recognition. In 2003, the ILO officially organized the 28 April as a World Day for Safety and Health at Work to promote healthy working conditions and stress the prevention of workplace accidents.

28 April symbolizes workplace health and safety struggles around the world and has catapulted health and safety as a strategic pivot around which to organize and build strong unions.

The struggle came full circle in 2022 with the recognition by the ILO of health and safety as a fundamental principle and right at work, adding to the four fundamental ILO principles and rights at work; freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining; the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour; the effective abolition of child labour; the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

The Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) and the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187) are now considered fundamental Conventions to give effect to health and safety as a fundamental principle and right at work.

Says IndustriALL health and safety director Glen Mpufane:

“The recognition by the ILO of health and safety as a fundamental principle and right at work is a victory for workers around the world over workers’ struggles. It is also a testament and homage to the successive years of workers’ struggle to improve workplace health and safety conditions.

“Health and safety at work is neither a perk to be bargained for nor a favour to be asked. It is our right.”

IndustriALL Global Union’s 2021-2025 Congress action plan on advancing workers’ rights is consistent with workers struggles through the ages for improvement of workers working conditions through a focus on fundamental rights to freedom of association and the right to collectively bargain, as well as an adequate minimum wage, maximum limits on working time and safety and health at work.

IndustriALL is campaigning for and promoting a right- based approach to occupational health and safety that includes:

  • The ratification and implementation of ILO Conventions on safety and health across all the sectors in which it organises
  • Rally behind the adoption, ideally a convention on the safety and health protection against biological hazards
  • Implementation of the Hong Kong Convention

https://www.industriall-union.org/the-stronger-the-union-the-safer-the-workplace

2024, 2024 Albania, 2024 Europe, Events listing, News

Albania: Emphasising the importance of health and safety at work on 28 April

8️⃣ Electoral Conference BSPSH Shkodër! The President of BSPSH Mr. Gëzim Kalaja from Shkodra emphasized the importance of Safety and Health at Work in the framework of the April 28 World Day of Safety and Health at Work. Zero tolerance to accidents to the workplaces”. 1️⃣5️⃣0️⃣Delegates of BSPSH Shkodra Region held the Electoral Conference, electing as Chairman of the Shkodra Region Mr. Albert Tuka.

2024, 2024 Asia Pacific, 2024 Australia, Events listing, News, Resources, Videos

Australia: A 28 April message from ACTU Assistant Secretary Liam O’Brien

Video

This year’s International Workers’ Memorial Day recognises the devastating effect the climate crisis has on workers around the world. We reflect on those who lost their lives at work, and vow to fight for those living. A message from ACTU Assistant Secretary Liam O’Brien.

2024, 2024 Europe, 2024 France, Events listing, News

France: L’hécatombe d’accidents graves au travail peut et doit être enrayée.

Video
L’hécatombe d’accidents graves au travail peut et doit être enrayée.
Des rassemblements ont été organisés par la CGT partout en France ce jeudi 25 avril. Retour en images.

2024, 2024 Africa, 2024 Mauritius, Events listing, News

Mauritius: Unions on the streets denouncing labour and human rights violations on 28 April – CTSP

The CTSP and affiliates were on the streets of Mauritius today, hundreds of migrant workers, women and youth participated in the demonstration to mark the world safety day and to denounce all violations of labour and human rights. A new page of history was written today.

2024 Europe, 2024 Global, 2024 Scotland, Events listing, News

Scotland: Commemorating International Workers Memorial Day – STUC

International Workers’ Memorial Day (IWMD) is the day that the trade union movement unites to remember workers at home andIWMD logo across the globe who have paid the ultimate price, those who left for work and never returned.

International Workers’ Memorial Day is on the 28th April 2024.

We “Remember the Dead, and Fight for the Living” by pledging to fight for healthier and safer workplaces. Scottish Hazards research indicates that, in Scotland, more than 10 people die each day as a result of work-related incidents and illness. Many of these deaths are caused by health & safety failures.

Events take place across Scotland to commemorate those who lost their lives at work:

Thursday 25th April

Irvine: Memorial Garden, Kilwinning Road: 1pm

Friday 26th April

Aberdeen: Aberdeen City Council Trade Unions, Duthie Park: 10.30am

Aberdeen: Action on Asbestos, Johnstone Gardens: 12 noon

Alloa: Memorial Stone, Kilncraigs (adjacent to Clackmannanshire HQ): 10.30am

Bathgate: Bathgate Sports Centre, Torpichen Road: 11am

Greenock: Clyde Square, Greenock: 11am

Inverness: Workers’ Memorial, Friar’s Shot, Huntly Street (provisional): 12 noon

Kirkwall: Memorial Tree, Orkney Island Council Offices: 12 noon

South Ayrshire: Rozelle House, Monument Road, Ayr 10am

Stirling: Memorial Tree, Old Viewforth: 10.45am

Saturday 27th April

Alexandria: Memorial Tree, Christie Park: 1pm

Clydebank: Truth and Justice Square, Hume Street: 1pm

Falkirk: Bandstand, Callendar Riggs, Falkirk: 11am

Glasgow: Workers Memorial, People’s Palace/ Winter Gardens, Glasgow Green: 12 noon

Kilmarnock: Memorial Tree, Dean Country Park: 11am

Kirkcaldy: Memorial Tree, Beveridge Park: 11am

Sunday 28th April

Aberdeen: Persley Walled Garden, Bridge of Don: 1pm

Bonnyrigg: Michael McGahey Memorial, George V Park, Bonnyrigg: 12.30pm

Coatbridge: Summerlee Industrial Museum, Heritage Way, Coatbridge: 12 noon

Dundee: Memorial Tree, adjacent to Discovery Point, Riverside Drive: 12 noon

Edinburgh: Memorial and Tree, West Princes Street Gardens: 12.30pm

Forfar: Forfar Community Campus, Kirriemuir Road: 11.30am

Hamilton: Townhouse, Beckford Street: 11.45am

Paisley: Workers Memorial , Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street: 12 noon

Renfrew: Workers Memorial Cairn, Robertson Park, Paisley Road: 11am

https://www.stuc.org.uk/about-iwmd/

2024 Canada, 2024 Global, 2024 North America, Events listing, News

Canada: National Day of Mourning – April 28, 2024

Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW)

The National Day of Mourning, observed annually in Canada on April 28, pays tribute to those who have lost their lives, been injured, become ill or suffered tragedy at work. It’s a day to remember those who have suffered because of their work. It’s also a day to renew our collective commitment to improving workplace health and safety, and to preventing further injuries, illnesses, and deaths. This year’s theme is “Safe Work Now!”

Today the Day of Mourning is observed in more than 100 countries around the world and is also known as International Workers’ Memorial Day. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) recognize this day as World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

According to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), there were 993 workplace fatalities in Canada in 2022, including 941 men, 50 women and 2 non-binary people, as well as 33 young workers between the ages of 15 and 24. In addition to these fatalities, 348,747 lost-time injury claims were accepted across the country. This represents an increase of 75,000 cases compared to 2021.

We are well aware that these figures do not reflect reality, since they do not include work-related injuries that employers try to conceal by persuading workers not to report them, offering them instead in-house accommodations without medical advice as a way to recover.

By using this approach, employers neglect declaring these cases as disabling injuries resulting in time lost.

For more information on the various statistics, please consult the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada link below:

https://awcbc.org/en/statistics/canadian-workers-compensation-system-year-at-a-glance

To find out about the various activities planned across the country on Sunday, April 28, 2024, I invite you to consult the Canadian Labour Congress website at:

Day of Mourning Ceremonies 2024 | Canadian Labour Congress

We have asked Canada Post to fly the Canadian flag at half-mast and observe a minute of silence at all the facilities that will be in operation that day.

An injury to one is an injury to all.

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