Tag Archives: tuc

2026, 2026 Europe, 2026 UK, Events listing, News

UK: Take part in International Workers’ Memorial Day – TUC briefing, campaign pack and events listing

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Every year more people are killed at work than in wars. Most don’t die of mystery ailments, or in tragic “accidents”. They die because an employer decided their safety just wasn’t that important a priority.

International Workers Memorial Day (IWMD) 28 April commemorates those workers.

Attend a local #IWMD event

Trade unions and organisations are putting on #IWMD events across the country. Find one near you or if you’re organising one add it to our list.

Hold a one minute silence

Join union activists across the country by taking part in a one minute silence at 12.00 to remember all those who have died because of their work.

Share your tributes

Honour those we have lost and pay respects by submitting a tribute on the International Workers Memorial Wall. 

Spread awareness for #IWMD

Use the hashtag #IWMD on social media channels to help spread the word about the day and why you’re getting involved. We have produced a range of graphics for you to use and share. This campaign pack includes a selection of images to use on social media, and posters for you to print at home or print professionally.

2026 UK, Events listing, graphics, News

UK: TUC making preparations across several fronts for 28 April

Dear colleagues,
It’s seven weeks to go until Workers’ Memorial Day (Tuesday 28 April), so I wanted to share with you some of what you can share with reps, activists and Trades Councils to support their activity on the day.
Map of events
Search on our map for a WMD event near you, or you can upload details if you’re organising something yourself. View the events map.

Online memorial wall
Some of these testimonies can be powerful to read out, as examples of union members who lost their lives to work causes. You can also add to the wall. View the memorial wall.

Health and Safety at work timeline
Some history on workplace health and safety in Britain. See the timeline.
Graphics
Print the poster for your union noticeboards, or include the banner in your email signature! Find them here.
Memorial Day in Parliament
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety and Health will be holding a memorial service on the morning of Tuesday 28 April 09:00 – 10:00, inviting MPs and peers to observe a minute silence together, and collect a memorial ribbon to wear for the day. Union members can encourage their MPs to attend the event.
In solidarity,

Shelly Asquith
Lead for Health & Safety
Trades Union Congress

2025, 2025 Europe, 2025 UK, Events listing, News

UK: Big Zoom in solidarity with the family of Zane Gbangbola – call for independent inquiry

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 – 18:00 to 18:20
Register for online event

Eleven years ago, 7-year-old Zane Gbangbola tragically died when the basement of his home in Chertsey was flooded with water from the Thames. There is very strong evidence that this allowed hydrogen cyanide gas from a former landfill site nearby to seep into the house. In fact, hydrogen cyanide gas was detected three times in the home by the Fire Brigade.

Both Zane and his father Kye suffered a cardiac arrest. Zane tragically lost his life and Kye was paralysed from the waist down. Kye and Zane’s mother, Nicole Lawler, have been tirelessly seeking justice and answers ever since. See Truth About Zane – Truth About Zane for more information.

On 28 April – International Workers Memorial Day – when we remember the dead and fight for the living – join the family from 6pm to 6.20 pm to send a powerful message to the Prime Minister about the need for an independent panel inquiry to investigate how Zane was killed.

Andy Burnham has been a high-profile supporter of the campaign for years and he will also be speaking. Daniel Kebede will be introducing the speakers.

Please save the date and time and register early – the family want this to be huge and early registrations will help bolster their confidence that it will be.

Speakers

Kye and Nicole – Zane’s parents
Andy Burnham – Mayor of Greater Manchester
Introductions – Daniel Kebede – NEU General Secretary
Learn more at Truth About Zane.

More details

 

2025 Europe, 2025 UK, Events listing, News

UK: 28 April UK events listing – Megaphone

Every year on April 28th, all around the world, the trade union movement unites to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day.

It’s a moment to honour workers who lost their lives from work-related illness or injury.

Trade unions fight for a future where no worker must risk their health or life while doing their job.

That’s why unions and trades councils across the country are hosting events this weekend: to commemorate those who lost their lives, and commit to fight for a world that is safer to live and work in.

There are dozens of events planned to take place this month. 

In Britain, the most common cause of work-related fatalty is asbestos exposure.

And you are more likely to be diagnosed with asbestos cancer in Britain than in anywhere else in the world.

The TUC is holding an event in London, bringing trade unionists together to hear from experts on asbestos, and to make a plan to tackle it in our schools and hospitals. RSVP to attend on Monday 28th April.

Can’t make it to an event?

Megaphone, UK

2024, 2024 Europe, 2024 UK, Events listing, News, Resources, Videos

Britain: TUC 28 April video message

Video

“On International Workers’ Memorial Day, we remember every life lost to unsafe work and commit to fighting for the health and safety of every worker.”

2024, 2024 England, 2024 Europe, 2024 UK, Events listing, graphics, News, Resources

England/Wales events map: Remember the dead, fight for the living

TUC has published an interactive map listing 28 April events. It is being continually updated – you can  submit an event yourself or view the map here. 

More on TUC’s 28 April webpages

2024, 2024 Europe, 2024 UK, Events listing, News

UK: TUC leading building safety inspection drive for Workers’ Memorial Day

Video

TUC says  “We know the risks of Raac, asbestos, poor fire safety and ventilation can be a dangerous mix. Too many of our workplaces are riddled with one or more of these. Successive governments have failed to remove and improve, and too many employers fail to properly control risk.”

So in the week leading up to Workers’ Memorial Day, TUC is taking action asking union safety reps, or reps who are responsible for health and safety as part of their role  to carry out a building safety inspection. Between Monday 22 and Sunday 29 April, union safety reps across the country will all inspect together. More than 600 reps have already signed up. More details

Events listing, News, Videos

UK: TUC video message on 28 April

Video

A 28 April solidarity message from UK’s Shelly Asquith, TUC safety lead.

2023, 2023 UK, Events listing, News, Resources

UK: Unions make work safe

Every year more people are killed at work than in wars.

Most don’t die of mystery ailments, or in tragic “accidents”. They die because an employer decided their safety just wasn’t that important a priority.

International Workers Memorial Day (IWMD) 28 April commemorates those workers.

It’s a time for us to come together as a movement and as a community. To remember those who have lost their lives to work, and renew our commitment to fight for the living and make work safe.

We’re getting in touch because there’s an event happening in your area. Click on the map to find it and don’t forget to RSVP!

View the map

Workplace deaths are preventable deaths. Trade unions will continue to fight for a future where no worker must risk their health or life while doing their job.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown beyond doubt that working people suffer at the hands of unscrupulous employers.

We must remember those we have lost and organise for safer, healthier work in their memory.

Can’t make it to an event?

 

2023, 2023 Europe, 2023 Scotland, Events listing, News

Scotland: 28 April gathering in Edinburgh organised by Scottish Hazards and Edinburgh TUC

Edinburgh Trade Union Council and Scottish Hazards have organised a gathering to remember those who have died at work and to refresh the resolve to fight for safe and healthy working conditions in Scotland and throughout the world.

The organisations have issued a broad invite to come and speak for your family, your union or your organisation. The theme is organising for safe and healthy work and will feature speakers from trade union and bereaved families.

The event will take place at the Workers’ Memorial Day Tree at Princes Street Gardens – nearest entrance is the west side of the mound going down the lowest path.

28 April 2023, 12.30-1.30pm