Ideas, resources and activities for 28 April from We Are Union OHS, Australia. If you are using social media to publicise your activities, please use the hashtag #iwmd17
INTERNATIONAL WORKERS’ MEMORIAL DAY
International Workers’ Memorial Day is April 28 every year.
It’s the day that we remember and mourn for the dead, and fight for the living. We must continue our fight to ensure that workers health and safety at work are protected. It’s an opportunity to organise in your workplace and each death is a tragedy. Each death is preventable.
ORDER YOUR FREE WORKERS’ MEMORIAL DAY POSTERS TODAY!
Download our 2017 IWMD Posters in a PDF here!
THREE WAYS YOU CAN SHOW SOLIDARITY TO REMEMBER THE DEAD AND FIGHT FOR THE LIVING.
1. STARTING THE CONVERSATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Putting your boots and/or tools out – be it a chisel, pen or stethoscope – and sharing the message via social media with the hashtag #BootsOut and #IWMD
2. IF YOU’RE AT WORK THAT DAY:
Get your workmates together to hold a small event with a minute’s silence and discussion of health & safety.
HOW TO RUN A WORKERS’ MEMORIAL DAY EVENT:
1. TALK TO YOUR BOSS
Talk to your employer about running an event at your workplace (there is a formal request letter in this kit if you think that is necessary).
Staff meetings about health and safety are good for business – everyone wants a healthy and safe workplace. Employers are also required to allow such meetings under the OHS Act.
2. DECIDE WHERE, WHEN & WHAT
Choose Location and time. Consider a space that will accommodate the expected amount of people, and whether you’ll need chairs, or audio equipment etc.
At 11am, workers all over the world observe a moment of silence for International Workers Memorial Day, but choose a time that will work best for the majority of your colleagues. Write down the event location and time on your posters!
3. BUILD SUPPORT IN YOUR WORKPLACE
Now speak to your colleagues – either at a staff meeting, or just in your tea room. They may not be aware that Australians are still regularly killed and injured at work. If someone in your workplace has a personal safety story (a “near miss”, or an injury they sustained) ask them to share it at the tools down day meeting.
Once you’ve spoken to people, put up posters around your workplace as a reminder.
4. HOLD YOUR EVENT!
You can either follow the event running order included in this kit, or decide on your own. But make sure you include 1 minute’s silence for people who have been killed at work, and a discussion of how to make your workplace safer!
Make sure you take a photo and upload it to social media with #BootsOut- to show your international solidarity, and help raise awareness!
3. IF YOU’RE NOT AT WORK THAT MORNING:
Attend an International Workers’ Memorial Day Service.
MELBOURNE METRO
Victorian Trades Hall at 10.30am-11.15am outside ‘the rock’ on the corner of Lygon & Victoria Streets, Carlton.
BALLARAT
Ballarat Trades Hall, 24 Camp Street, Ballarat
The Ballarat Trade Hall will be holding a morning tea at 10.30am.
For more information and to RSVP, contact the BTLC on 03 5332 3666 or by email: balltlc@outlook.com.au
GIPPSLAND
When: 11am, Friday 28th April 2017
Where: Centenary Rose Garden, Commercial Road, Morwell and we start at 11.00am.
The day includes:
- Speakers of interest
- Singer/musician
- Bagpiper
- Ecumenical Service with segment for the laying of wreaths in remembrance of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their work
- Free community BBQ at the conclusion of the event
For further information and full details please contact GARDS.
WODONGA
Memorial Service and BBQ
Friday 28th April from 5 PM
Sumsion Gardens (off Church St) Wodonga
RSVP & spread the word on Facebook.
