2021, 2021 Europe, 2021 UK, Events listing

UK: Global unity in solidarity to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day (#IWMD21) – NEU

On 28 April each year, the trade union movement around the globe unites in solidarity to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day (#IWMD21)

We remember those who have lost their lives at work, or because of work, and we resolve to fight to prevent more deaths, injuries and disease as a result of work.

This year the theme for the day is A Fundamental Right to Safe and Healthy Work. The call to Remember the Dead and Fight for the Living has never been so relevant and urgent. Over the past year thousands of workers, including in education, have died from Covid-19 and we will never know the true number because many weren’t tested, hospitalised or recorded and reported as work related infections and deaths.

NEU is holding a national zoom rally International Workers’ Memorial Day – Health and Safety: a fundamental right in education – 5.30pm – 6.30pm, Wednesday 28 April,

Speakers include Kevin Courtney – Joint General Secretary, NEU; Deepti Gurdasani – Senior Lecturer in Clinical Epidemiology, Queen Mary University; and Janet Newsham – Hazards Campaign.

Register

How else can we mark the day?

  • The TUC is organising an International WMD, 2pm to 3pm on 28 April.  Speakers include Frances O’Grady, General Secretary of the TUC; Sharan Burrows, General Secretary of the ITUC; and Louise Adamson, Families Against Corporate Killers (FACK) campaign.  Click here to register.
  • This TUC page suggests practical ways to get involved including a searchable database of IWMD events taking place around the country – to which you can add your own events – and a range of posters and social media graphics for you to use and share.  You could display posters at home or at school or take a selfie alongside one of the posters and share on social media using the hashtag IWMD21. Or share a photo of yourself and colleagues at work.
  • The Hazards Campaign is marking IWMD21 with online activities which will be taking place across the UK and abroad.  The Hazards Campaign has published a comprehensive briefing document and also  an order form where you can get your IWMD materials including ribbons, stickers, bags and face masks.
  • What better way to mark the day than to appoint a health and safety rep in your school? Health and safety reps are making a real difference in schools which have one, ensuring that members’ needs in relation to ventilation, face coverings, social distancing and mental health are top of the agenda. During the current crisis, bespoke training with a specific focus on Covid-19 is available for new and existing health and safety reps. Contact training@neu.org.uk to sign up.
  • The NEU is supporting calls for a minute’s silence to remember the dead.  Wherever you are please try to observe this and if you are at work, please arrange with your colleagues to observe a collective minute’s silence, involving pupils where appropriate, at 11am on 28th April.
  • Barking, Dagenham and Havering Trades Union Council are organising an event focusing on asbestos in schools, chaired by Susan Aitouaziz, Secretary Barking Dagenham and Havering Trades Union Council, from 7pm – 8pm on 28 April. Register with BDHTUC@hotmail.com to receive the Zoom link to enter the meeting.

 

2021, 2021 Europe, Events listing, Videos

Europe: Health and safety at work is your right! – Eurocadres

28 April. World Day for Safety & Health at Work & Workers Memorial Day. Health & safety is YOUR RIGHT to protection from

Small orange diamondCOVID-19
Small orange diamondStress
Small orange diamond Harassment & bullying
Small orange diamondErgonomics causing pain Trade unions work for your health & safety


 eurocadres.eu/news/health-an

@etuc_ces #IWMD21

2021, 2021 Europe, 2021 UK, Events listing

UK: GMB to hold multiple events for 28 April

On 28 April GMB is  running a full day Health and Safety training session for GMB representatives.

In additional GMB is conducting a memorial service starting at 10.45 with a minute silence  11.55am on Zoom – open to anyone.

later in the day there will also be an evening event 6pm – 7pm  aimed at getting members, who are not already reps, interested in becoming health and safety.  This will also be open to anyone and happening on Facebook Live.

For further details contact the GMB via their Facebook page.

 

2021, 2021 Europe, 2021 Ireland, Events listing

Ireland: ICTU is encouraging all union members to add a ‘Twibbon’ on their To mark #IWMD @irishcongress is encouraging all union members to add a ‘Twibbon’ on your profile pic profile pic

To mark #IWMD @irishcongress (ICTU)  is encouraging all union members to add a ‘Twibbon‘ on their profile pic

2021, 2021 Europe, Events listing

Europe: EFFAT remembers all the agri-workers suffering ‘the hardest working conditions’

#IWMD21: 1 yr into the pandemic, we remember all agri-workers living in shacks & enduring the hardest working conditions. Yet, they’re still putting food on our table. Today we renew #EFFAT call for #SocialConditionality in the new #CAP. Health & Safety at Work is your right!

2021, 2021 Europe, 2021 UK, Events listing

UK: FACK urges those bereaved by work-incidents to add their names and stories to the TUC memorial wall

Families Against Corporate Killers urge everyone who has lost a loved one in work-related incident to add their name and story to the TUC #IWMD21 Wall of Remembrance tuc.org.uk/workers-memori And wear Purple Forget-Me-Knot ribbon in remembrance and to fight for end to work deaths

2021, 2021 North America, 2021 USA, Events listing

USA: ADAO joins forces to “Mourn the Dead and Fight Like Hell for the Living”

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) joins individuals, trade unions, and organizations around the world for Workers’ Memorial Day on April 28, 2021, for those who have been injured or killed on the job; and for International Workers Day on May 1, 2021, commemorating the historic struggles and gains made by workers and the labor movement. For decades, unions like AFL-CIO have commemorated these important days with activities and awareness events around the world where people are uniting, taking a stand, and making sure their voices are heard. more

2021, 2021 Asia-Pacific, Events listing

Asia-Pacific: Workers do not deserve to die because of work. Recognise occupational health and safety as a fundamental right

2021, 2021 Europe, 2021 UK, Events listing

UK: ‘Incredibly moving’ to see the names and photos being added to the TUC’s Workers Memorial Wall

“Incredibly moving seeing the names and photos being added to this memorial page” says Shelly Asquith of TUC. more

2021, 2021 Canada, 2021 North America, Events listing

Canada: National Day of Mourning – April 28, 2021 CUPW Shows Respect

 

The National Day of Mourning, held annually on April 28, is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives or suffered injury or illness on the job. This annual event was initiated by the labour movement 37 years ago to increase awareness of on-the-job injuries and fatal workplace accidents. This day of remembrance was officially recognized by the federal government in 1991, six years after it was launched by the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) in 1985.

Although the National Day of Mourning is now recognized in more than 100 countries, including Canada, last year underscored that there is still a lot of work to accomplish in order to improve workers’ safety.

In the past year, the way we live and work greatly changed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of Canadian workers have had to cope with reduced work hours or modified schedules, or been compelled to stay at home due to childcare issues, illness, or other personal challenges stemming from government-mandated emergency measures. Yet, others have had to continue working in spite of the persistent danger this virus represents.

We had to adapt the way we work, using personal protective equipment adapted to our different activities throughout the country. Workers of various sectors such as the postal service, put their health and safety at risk on a daily basis to ensure that Canadians can get through these unprecedented times. And all the while trying their best to take care of their own well-being and mental health.

This Wednesday, April 28, 2021, it is important that, wherever we are, we take the time to remember our brothers and sisters who have endured hardships or who tragically did not survive this terrible virus. Let us also remember those who died, suffered injuries or became disabled while on duty. We must all commit to continuing the struggle to force employers and governments to fulfill their obligation to make every workplace a safe and healthy one. We must also continue seeking stronger health and safety standards and protection, and better enforcement in our workplaces.

AN INJURY TO ONE IS AN INJURY TO ALL!

In solidarity,

Marc Roussel

National Union Representative – Health and Safety

Attachment Size
NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING – APRIL 28, 2021 CUPW SHOWS RESPECT (pdf) 352.43 KB
Poster (pdf)

https://www.cupw.ca/en/national-day-mourning-%E2%80%93-april-28-2021-cupw-shows-respect

Remember the dead, fight like hell for the living