Workers’ Memorial Day
Every year on April 28: commemoration of the victims
On Workers’ Memorial Day, we remember employees who have died as a result of a workplace accident or occupational disease. This day is not unique to the Netherlands. Victims are commemorated worldwide. Workers’ Memorial Day falls on April 28 every year.
Workers’ Memorial Day Symposium
On Thursday, April 23, the FNV, together with the Arbeidsongevallen Foundation, is organizing a symposium as part of Workers’ Memorial Day. This year, we are reflecting on workplace accidents involving migrant workers. Because safe and healthy work is a right for all workers, including migrant workers.
Workers’ Memorial Day commemorations on April 28
On Tuesday, April 28, the FNV will commemorate Workers’ Memorial Day at various locations throughout the country. This is the day on which all people worldwide who have fallen ill, been injured, or died as a result of a work accident or occupational disease are remembered. You can be there.
Amsterdam
- Location: Trade Union House Amsterdam, Derkinderenstraat 2-8 in Amsterdam
- Time: April 28 from 10:30-11:30
- To register: ko.hartman@vereniging.fnv.nl
Utrecht
- Location: Central Trade Union House, Het Facet, Hertogswetering 159 in Utrecht
- Time: April 28 from 12:00 to 12:30
Rotterdam
- Location: at the ‘Vaart Vrij’ monument in the Buizenpark, Rotterdam Katendrecht
- Time: April 28 at 5:30 PM
- The commemoration is preceded by a gathering at the nearby Verhalenhuis Belvédère from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Hengelo
- Location: Trade Union House Hengelo, Oldenzaalsestraat 129 in Hengelo
- Time: April 28 from 19:00 to 20:30
You are welcome to commemorate the victims with us at one of these locations.
Every year, more than 4,000 people die in the Netherlands as a result of a workplace accident or occupational disease. That is far too many. It is important to observe a moment of silence for this every year. Safe and healthy work is a right for every employee. That is why the FNV draws attention to the subject every year on April 28, Workers’ Memorial Day.
More than 4,000 deaths per year
It seems so self-evident to return home safely after a workday. Every year in the Netherlands, 50-70 workers die following an accident at work. Fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters who did not return home after a workday. And every year, more than 4,000 people in the Netherlands also lose their lives due to occupational diseases, largely due to exposure to hazardous substances. In addition, there are tens of thousands of reports of serious accidents and occupational diseases every year. This is far too many. Working safely and healthily is a fundamental right, also in the Netherlands.
Many companies are not doing enough.
The FNV believes that things must and can be improved. Many companies are still doing far too little to make work safe, healthy, and sustainable. Most companies provide insufficient protection for employees working with carcinogenic substances. This often applies to migrant workers from Eastern Europe who perform heavy and dangerous work here for low wages. Furthermore, temporary agency workers and self-employed professionals often cannot access the company doctor. That is why we call on the government: show more ambition and prioritize safe and healthy working conditions.
Flag at half-mast
On April 28, at the FNV, we remember all those who have died as a result of a workplace accident or occupational disease. The flag is flown at half-mast and we lay a wreath. A moment of silence follows the wreath-laying. Is the flag at your workplace also at half-mast on April 28? Ask your employer.
