2019, 2019 USA, News, Resources

USA: Informational webinar for Workers’ Memorial Week – February 14, 2019 (National COSH)

National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH) is holding an informational webinar on 14 February to start planning for International Workers’ Memorial Day. In the US a week long series of actions and events  will commence on 22 April and build up to the nationally recognised day of 28 April.

Join with individuals and groups across the country who are hosting events and taking action to remember workers killed on the job and drive home the message of the need to fight for the living.

The webinar will include an overview on how to mobilise your community, families, and co-workers; how to build a memorial and tell worker stories; media outreach; empower worker leadership, highlight your campaigns, and much more.

INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR  February 14, 2019 2pm ET-3:30pm ET/11am-12:30pm PT

Join the webinar from your computer (preferred) or
by phone: (669) 224-3412 passcode: 128-431-613

Watch out for news of a Spanish webinar!

National COSH: www.coshnetwork.org

2019, News

Britain: Unveiling of workers’ memorial stained glass window, 23 November

In the build-up to International Workers Memorial Day on 28 April 2019, Greater Manchester Hazards Centre will be unveiling a memorial ‘Fallen Tears’ stained glass window on 23 November at the People’s History Museum, Manchester, from 3pm to 5pm.

GMHC news release and Fallen Tears invitation. Workers’ Memorial Day. Risks 875.

2018, 2018 Costa Rica, BWI Costa Rica 2018, Events listing

Costa Rica: UNATROPYT held construction site meetings on 28 April

On construction sites in San Ramón BWI affiliate UNATROPYT held health, safety and security meetings to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day.

2018, 2018 USA, Events listing, Gallery, News

USA: Workers’ Memorial Week – Love, support and standing up for safety – report and pictures

The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH) federation reported events from all over the U.S. and around the globe, 2018 was another amazing Workers’ Memorial Week.

Check out  their  blog at NationalCOSH.org for a wrap-up of just a few of the vigils, memorials, rallies and other events that took place in churches, synagogues, City Council chambers and other locations from Maine to California – and many points in between.

 

2018, BWI England 2018, BWI Scotland 2018, BWI Wales 2018, Events listing

United Kingdom: Unite says unions make work SAFE – Decent work for all!

BWI’s UK affiliate Unite produced a comprehensive list of its International Workers’ Memorial Day actions.

2018, 2018 Australia, BWI Australia 2018, Events listing

Australia: Put your boots out on 28 April

To mark International Workers’ Memorial Day CFMEU asked workers to take a photo of empty pairs of work boots and share it on social media with the hashtags #IWMD #PutYourBootsOut. BWI affiliates CFMEU and ETU  also called on their members to attend the many ACTU commemorations that took place around the country.

2018, 2018 Sri Lanka, Events listing

Sri Lanka: Unions issue 28 April warning on the deadly impact of corruption

Some trade unionists present at a 28 April forum told the ‘Business Times’ (BT) that the Labour Department is one place infested with bribery and corruption where decisions against the workers could be manipulated.

During the discussion, Leon Joseph, Secretary, National Free Trade Union pointed out that in one incident there were 350 workers taken to hospital, 100 were treated in-house, three were treated in the intensive care and one died.

The medical officer who held the post-mortem on the death of the worker ruled that the death was due to natural causes, but when the family of the worker protested and a second post-mortem was held, a completely different verdict was returned.

This shows the extent of corruption and even such professionals like medical officers could be influenced. Mr Joseph said that most of the employers do not want to reveal these accidents and in many instances they try to hide them as they are usually caused due to their negligence.

More: The Sunday Times Sri Lanka

2018, 2018 Greece, BWi Greece 2018, Events listing

Greece: OETYTE joins global campaign for safe work at Lafarge-Holcim

BWI affiliate The Greek Federation of Workers and Employees in Cement Industry (OETYTE) sent a message to LafargeHolcim management calling for safer work (below).

 

2018, 2018 Denmark, Events listing, Gallery

Denmark: Unions and campaigners highlight risks from heavy lifting and stress

General union 3F and workplace health campaign group AAA highlight workplace risks from heavy lifting and stress. Activities took place in both Copenhagen and  Elsinore. The union says around 2,000 workers every year die as a result of their working conditions.

Source: Janne Hansen, 3F

2018, 2018 Georgia, Events listing

Georgia: On 28 April GTUC demands tougher Georgian safety legislation

In his 28 April message Irakli Petriashvili, President of the Georgian Trade Unions Confederation, notes:

“Since the abolition of the labour inspection in 2006, the number of accidents has increased significantly in the workplace. According to the data of the Georgian Trade Unions Confederation (GTUC), in the period from 2007 to 2018, as a result of occupational incidents, 473 persons died and 806 people were seriously injured. The highest rate of fatal cases is in construction and mining industries.”

Read more • GTUC website

Remember the dead, fight like hell for the living