Media Release: Unions Tasmania to host services to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day in Hobart and Launceston

 Unions Tasmania will host two services tomorrow to commemorate International Workers Memorial Day (IWMD), a day marked annually across the globe to remember those workers who were killed or injured on the job. We will be joined by workers, union members and families of injured or deceased workers to acknowledge this important day.

“We host these services every year to say to injured workers and families who have lost loved ones that we haven’t forgotten about your pain and that we are committed to the continuing fight for improved workplace safety,” said Unions Tasmania Secretary Jessica Munday.

“In Australia a worker is killed every two days. Last year, 7623 Tasmanian workers made a claim for workers compensation, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. We’re seeing emerging threats to health and safety such as increasing silicosis diagnoses and a huge increase in mental health injuries.”

“The Morrison Government has ignored the need for significant reform in workplace health and safety. They’ve refused to legislate for industrial manslaughter, ignored a wealth of evidence including that of the Boland Review into Work Health and Safety Laws and the Sex Discrimination Commissioner’s Respect@Work Report, that make a broad range of recommendations to improve our safety laws,” said Ms Munday. “So today is also day to demand more action from Government.”

Unions welcome Labor commitment to fund the completion of the Workers’ Memorial Park

Unions Tasmania also warmly welcomes the commitment from Ross Hart and the Labor Party to fund the completion of the Workers’ Memorial Park in Launceston.

“For years, we have called for the State and Federal Liberal Governments to fund this Park. It’s been an absolute kick in the guts to family members like Guy Hudson that those Governments have denied all requests for funding and taken no action to see the Park finished. We congratulate the Labor Party for recognising the importance of workplace safety and understanding how important it is to have a memorial for workers who left for work and did not return home,” said Ms Munday.

Launceston
When:             Thursday 28 April
Time:               8am
Location:        Workers Memorial Park, Elizabeth Gardens (near UTAS Stadium)
Speakers:        Jessica Munday, Guy Hudson, CFMEU Manufacturing Division National Secretary Michael O’Connord
https://www.unionstas.com.au/news-events/events/international-workers-memorial-day-launceston-service/

Hobart
When:             Thursday 28 April
Time:               12:30pm
Location:        Franklin Square, Hobart
Speakers:        Jessica Munday and a correctional officer
https://www.unionstas.com.au/news-events/events/international-workers-memorial-day-hobart-service/

For further information: Jessica Munday 0417 454 809

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