Global: Heat kills, IUF warns on International Workers’ Memorial Day

The International Labour Organization estimates that every year, 2.93 million workers die as a result of work-related factors with millions more suffering non-fatal work injuries.  On April 28, International Workers’ Memorial Day (IWMD), we mourn those workers and commit to fighting for the living.
As our climate warms, workers face an increased risk of exposure to excessive heat, which can be fatal. In all IUF sectors — in fields, in kitchens, in factories, in hospitality and tourism — workers risk being exposed to excessive heat. A report produced by the ILO confirms that 71% of the working population is exposed to excessive heat, resulting in 22.85 million injuries and 18,970 deaths annually.
- For IWMD 2025, the IUF has produced a leaflet to raise awareness and propose measures unions can take to protect workers.
- The leaflet — Heat Kills — spells out that heat at work must be dealt with immediately, that employers have to fulfill their responsibilities to provide safe and healthy workplaces and that governments must develop legal protections.
- IUF Acting General Secretary Kristjan Bragason comments: “Our members are on the front line of the climate crisis every day, and they need better protection to match the ever-increasing danger from rising temperatures that is already evident in all our regions.”
- The IUF will develop more materials on the dangers of excessive heat, will challenge companies to engage with us on how to tackle excessive heat at work, and will work with our sister Global Union Federations to ensure international standards are in place to protect workers.
- The IUF 28th Congress in 2023 adopted new commitments on tackling the climate crisis, which is driving the increase in temperature and increasingly unstable weather patterns that affect all workers.
The Heat Kills leaflet is available in English, French and Spanish.Â
Tanzania: Campaigning to prevent deadly dust diseased on 28 April – TAMICO
BWI affiliate  – Tanzania Mines and Construction Workers’ Union (TAMICO)
International Workers Memorial Day Campaign to advocate for improvement of Occupational Safety and Health in the World of Work. #Iwmd25 pic.twitter.com/OKquc4n0tT
— Tamico.official (@TamicoOfficial) April 28, 2025
Indonesia: Serbuk Indonesia lays bare hidden dust crisis [Video]
On the eve of International Workers’ Memorial Day #IWMD2025, Serbuk Indonesia laid bare a hidden crisis through a powerful new video: the harrowing toll of wood dust on workers’ lives. Behind every crafted piece lies a silent, deadly hazard ; one that scars lungs, steals breath, and ends dreams. Through the voices and faces of affected workers, SERBUK reminds us that health is not a privilege but a right, and that no worker should risk life and limb to earn a living. Let this be a call to action: to demand safer workplaces, stronger protections, and dignity for every worker who builds our world, one breath at a time. #StopDeadlyDust
TĂĽrkiye: Joint 28 Ppril call for safe and decent working conditions – TĂĽrkiye Yol-İş Sendikası, AÄžAÇ-İŞ, CIMSE-IS and TĂĽrkiye Orman-İş Sendikası
Jordan: GWTUC taking action against deadly dust on 28 April
From the heart of Jordan, BWI affiliate GTUCW is taking action! As part of this year’s International Workers’ Memorial Day, they are leading the fight against deadly dust, running the campaign across multiple workplaces to demand safer, healthier conditions for all workers. No more toxic air! Our lives depend on it! #IWMD2025 #StopDeadlyDust
Zimbabwe: Building a strong, safer movement – ZCATWU
In Zimbabwe, the BWI-affiliated ZCATWU is stepping up! Ahead of International Workers’ Memorial Day, they gathered workers for an awareness programme on the dangers of deadly dust, while driving efforts to organise and recruit more members. Together, they are building a stronger, safer movement — because every worker’s life matters! #IWMD2025 #StopDeadlyDust
Ukraine: Profbud – Standing strong for workers’ lives on 28 April
Standing strong for workers’ lives: BWI-affiliated PROFBUD joins this year’s International Workers’ Memorial Day, rallying behind the global campaign to end deadly dust in workplaces. Every worker deserves a safe and healthy job! #IWMD2025 #StopDeadlyDust
Italy: Safe Day – Giornata mondiale sicurezza lavoro: sindacati edili depongono corona all’Inail – FILCA CISL

Germany: Weltweites Gedenken an Arbeitsopfer – DGB Bezirk Sachsen
Heute ist #WorkersMemorialDay. Wir gedenken weltweit der Menschen, die bei der Arbeit erkrankt oder zu Tode gekommen sind. Die Beschäftigten müssen durch hohe Standards beim Arbeits- und Gesundheitsschutz besser geschützt werden! Jeden Tag! #StarkMitUns #IWMD #IWMD25 #IWMD2025 pic.twitter.com/YRPd5bzQmc
— DGBSachsen (@dgb_sachsen) April 28, 2025







