Sunday 28 April 2024
Media Release and Alert: Unions Tasmania to host International Workers’ Memorial Day service, calls on Premier to prioritise industrial manslaughter laws
Unions Tasmania will host a second commemorative service for workers and community members in nipaluna/Hobart today as part of International Workers’ Memorial Day (IWMD). IWMD is marked globally by unions and workers each year to remember those who have been killed or seriously injured in their work, and to push for stronger safety laws to prevent future workplace deaths.
Following a moving service in Launceston this morning attended by families, community members, unionists, and politicians, Unions Tasmania will host a southern service along with unveiling a building banner calling on the Premier to introduce industrial manslaughter laws in Tasmania.
In the decade to 2022, Tasmania has seen 87 workplace related fatalities and around 7,500 workers compensation claims from injured workers each year. Clearly our safety laws are not adequately protecting workers from serious injury and death.
After years of advocacy by Unions Tasmania, the Tasmanian Government commenced a consultation process to consider the implementation of industrial manslaughter laws in Tasmania but is yet to make any commitment.
With parliament set to return in less than two weeks’ time, Unions Tasmania is calling on Premier Rockliff to make worker safety a priority and get these laws passed urgently.
“Unions Tasmania hosts these commemorative services on International Workers Memorial Day as an opportunity to mourn, reflect, share memories, and give dignity to those who have lost their lives because of their employment – and to renew our shared commitment as a community to workplace safety,” said Unions Tasmania Secretary, Jessica Munday.
“Over the recent election campaign, Unions Tasmania secured commitments from Labor, the Greens, and the independent members to introduce industrial manslaughter laws. With a majority of the House of Assembly now in support of these laws, it is time for the Rockliff Government to drop their opposition, stand up for workers, and make industrial manslaughter law in Tasmania.”
Event details
- When: 12:00PM Monday 29 April 2024
- Where: Unions Tasmania, 212 Liverpool Street, Hobart
- Speakers: Jessica Munday, Secretary, Unions Tasmania, Mark O’Donnell, Trustee and Union Delegate, United Firefighters Union Tasmania, Richard Humphrey, Dean of Hobart, St. David’s Cathedral