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

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.

Australia: 70 per cent of global workforce exposed to health risks from climate change – ACTU

Every year on April 28, the trade union movement unites around the world to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day. We mourn those who have died at work or because of their work, and we fight like hell for the living.

This year’s global theme is the impact that climate change has on workers’ health. An ILO (International Labour organisation) report published this week has highlighted climate change is impacting 70% of the global workforce.

The report notes that numerous workers’ health conditions have been linked to climate change, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, kidney dysfunction and mental health conditions.

We also take this time to acknowledge those that have lost their lives in the course of their work. Every year 200 workers are killed at work with more than 5,000 dying from work related diseases. In July this year Australia will be the first place in the world to ban deadly engineered stone and implement some of the toughest workplace silica rules. These changes will save thousands of lives and is a credit to the union members that fought for these world leading changes.

Quotes attributable to ACTU Assistant Secretary Liam O’Brien:

“Workers are on the frontline of the climate crisis, be it working outdoors in extreme heat, or those battling floods and extreme weather conditions, the climate crisis is having a detrimental effect on workers’ health.

“Unions will continue to fight for better and safer protections for workers. This International Workers’ Memorial Day we also mourn those who have lost their lives at work or due to work related diseases.

“This year our movement acknowledges the efforts of unions to win world leading protections for workers against deadly silica dust including the banning of engineered stone which has been responsible for as many as 1 in 4 stonemasons being diagnosed with this incurable disease.”

“The fight for safety at work must continue until all workers are safe.”

Notes to editors: ILO report can be found here: OSH and climate change. Climate change creates a ‘cocktail’ of serious health hazards for 70 per cent of the world’s workers | International Labour Organization (ilo.org)

70% of global workforce exposed to health risks from climate change

Australia: New worker protections against silica will save lives

Australian national union federation ACTU has welcomed a 22 March 2024 decision by the country’s Labor government and work health and safety (WHS) ministers to move closer to a full ban on engineered stone and implement new regulations to protect all workers from exposure to silica dust.

ACTU assistant secretary Liam O’Brien: “Next month we mark International Workers’ Memorial Day, a day where we remember those who have lost their lives at work and fight to ensure others don’t have the same fate. The passing of these protections is a fitting tribute and testament to the hard work of unions in keeping us all safe at work.

“Unions will always fight to keep workers safe from harm. Unions thank WHS Ministers for listening to workers and health experts in banning engineered stone. None of this would’ve been possible without the campaign of unions, like the CFMEU, and organisations that demanded strong action to keep workers safe.

“The war on silicosis is not over until these new rules are in place, properly enforced, and employers and workers are aware of them. The best way to protect yourself and your workmates is to join your union.”

www.actu.org.au

Australia: Remember the dead, fight like hell for the living – ACTU – #iwmd23

Every year on April 28, the trade union movement unites around the world to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day. We mourn those who have died at work or because of their work, and we fight like hell for the living.

We welcome the extension of Industrial Manslaughter laws that will hold negligent and reckless employers to account. These new laws mean negligent employers can be punished with substantial fines and imprisonment. With the Federal and South Australian Governments now committed to introducing these laws, it is only in Tasmania that employers will not be held to account.

We also take today to mourn; we mourn the 36 workers who have lost their lives to workplace incidents so far this year and remember the thousands who will lose their life through occupational diseases.

We take time to think of the Australian workers who have been devastated by the impacts of the deadly dust released from working with engineered stone, with the shocking revelations that as many as one in four stonemasons who work with engineered stone products have contracted silicosis.

The threat of asbestos is also still with is. Australia has one of the highest measured incidence rates of mesothelioma in the world: between 700 and 800 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. On average, two people are diagnosed with mesothelioma in Australia each day.

For these reasons, and many more, unions will continue to fight for improved health and safety laws and better enforcement.

Quotes attributable to ACTU Assistant Secretary Liam O’Brien:

“On 28 April 2023 our message is simple: every worker has the right to a safe and healthy working environment and every employer must ensure they eliminate risks at work.

“Employers who cut corners that result in the death of a worker should face serious consequences, including jail. Industrial manslaughter laws must be introduced in every state and territory.

“Silicosis is a debilitating, incurable and sometimes fatal disease. With as many as one in 4 stonemasons working with engineered stone contracting silicosis we must move quickly to ban the use of this deadly product. There are many safe alternatives – no one should die for a fashion item.

https://www.actu.org.au/actu-media/media-releases/2023/remember-the-dead-fight-like-hell-for-the-living

Australia: Action nationwide on 28 April

ACTU Centre for Health and Safety Update 2023/10

International Workers’ Memorial Day takes place annually around the world on 28 April – it is an international day of remembrance and action for workers killed, disabled, injured or made unwell by their work.

This year, Trades and Labour Councils (TLCs) have returned to holding in-person events.

You can find details of the various TLC events around the country here, and we encourage you to attend.

Australian Council of Trade Unions
Level 4/365 Queen Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000
t (03) 9664-7340
e jholden@actu.org.au w actu.org.au
w australianunions.org.au
Facebook /AustralianUnions
Twitter @UnionsAustralia
Instagram @AusUnions

Australia: Government ‘missing in action’ on health and safety

Australia: Government ‘missing in action’ on health and safety
Australia’s national union organisation ACTU has released a new report: “Morrison Missing In Action on Work Health and Safety”. The report is available online.
Australia’s premier Scott Morrison has overseen “an appalling 32 per cent  increase in workplace fatalities and an 8 per cent increase in workplace injuries since 2018.”

Australian Council of Trade Unions
w actu.org.au
w australianunions.org.au
Facebook /AustralianUnions
Twitter @UnionsAustralia  #iwmd22
Instagram @AusUnions

Australia: ACTU update on 28 April events plus social media resources

ACTU Centre for Health and Safety Update 2022/13

As you would be aware, International Workers’ Memorial Day takes place annually around the world on 28 April – it is an international day of remembrance and action for workers killed, disabled, injured or made unwell by their work.

This year, Trades and Labour Councils (TLCs) will be holding a mixture of in-person and live-streamed events.

You can find details of the various TLC events here, and we encourage you to participate.

The ACTU has also prepared some sharables that you are welcome to use – please note some more will be added next week so please do check back then.

Kind regards

Jenny Holden
Executive Assistant to Assistant Secretary, Liam O’Brien

Australian Council of Trade Unions
Level 4/365 Queen Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000
t (03) 9664-7340
e jholden@actu.org.au w actu.org.au
w australianunions.org.au
Facebook /AustralianUnions
Twitter @UnionsAustralia
Instagram @AusUnions

Australia: ACTU Secretary’s 28 April video message

Sally McManus Secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions “Mourn the dead, fight like hell for the living”

Australia: Stop the pandemic, protect health and safety, save lives – ACTU

ACTU Assistant Secretary, Liam O’Brien has sent the following message regarding International Workers’ Memorial Day:

Every worker has the right to safe, healthy and respectful work. In times like COVID-19, these rights are more important than ever.

Next Tuesday on International Workers’ Memorial Day, we remember those who weren’t afforded this right. We remember those who were tragically injured and lost their lives at work.

This year’s global theme for International Workers’ Memorial Day is Stop the pandemic: Safety and health at work can save lives. This is an important opportunity to highlight what must be done to ensure workers’ health is protected during COVID-19, including psychological health.

Here’s some ways that you can get involved:

  1. Remember the dead, fight for the living

Attend an online International Worker’s Day memorial event on Tuesday 28 April.Click here to find your local event or activity.

  1. Remember those who passed away and acknowledge today’s struggle

Share your story on social media and use the hashtag #IWMD2020 [and #IWMD20]. It could be memories of someone close to you or a shout out to an essential worker.

  1. Fight for the future

Stay connected, join your union and continue the fight for health and safety, whether at work or working from home.

Everyone has a right to be safe and healthy, have a good, secure job and return to their family and friends at the end of the day. Australian Unions will never give up this fight.

In solidarity,

Liam O’Brien, Assistant Secretary

Australia: Cutting wages and conditions during coronavirus is dangerous [Video] | ACTU