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)
commemorates those workers.
What is IWMD?
Every year on April 28th, all around the world the trade
union movement unites to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day (#IWMD20).
We remember those who have lost their lives at work, or from
work-related injury and diseases. We renew our efforts to organise collectively
to prevent more deaths, injuries and disease as a result of work.
Workers Memorial Day is commemorated throughout the world and is
officially recognised by the UK Government.
We remember those we have lost. We organise in their memory.
Theme for 2020: Coronavirus
The coronavirus pandemic affects every worker regardless of sector or
locality. Tens of thousands of workers worldwide have died. More have fallen
ill or continue to go to work risking their lives. Many workers are still
attending work ill-equipped and without necessary safety measures in place.
We could not have a starker reminder of the important role of trade
union health and safety reps in saving and protecting workers’ lives, than the
current crisis we are living through.
While we may not be able to attend the memorial events which usually
take place on IWMD, as public gatherings around the world are not advised or
allowed; there are many ways trade union members can take part in our collective
day of remembrance and solidarity.
We remember those we have lost. We organise in their memory.
While we may not be able to attend the memorial events which usually
take place on IWMD, as public gatherings around the world are not advised or
allowed; there are many ways trade union members can take part in our
collective day of remembrance and solidarity.
How you can take part…
Minutes silence
At 11am on Tuesday 28th April, take part in the minute's silence.
It will be a moment to pay tribute to the sacrifice made of so many
workers during the pandemic, to remember those who've sadly lost their lives,
and to thank all those who continue to do vital work at great risk.
The initiative is supported by the government, and reps may wish to
request employers mark it, by asking the workforce to cease work for one minute
at 11am.
Help spread the word about the minute's silence, by encouraging as many
friends and colleagues to take part, whether in their workplace of at home.
Register for our video call
The TUC Education team will be hosting a video call at 2pm on the day,
where you will be able to hear from speakers and submit questions and
contributions in advance. Register for the video call.
Organise an online campaign
Think of digital tools you can use to call for stronger health and
safety protections. Whether it a current call for urgent PPE, or a longer term
demand for union recognition - you can make use of the TUC’s Megaphone tool to create a petition about
the issues where you work, or email and call elected officials to demand that
workers' safety is prioritised over corporate interests.
Host a video call or webinar
Where you might have ordinarily held a rally to mark IWMD, it could be
done online, with union members having the opportunity to hear speeches. You
could ask injured workers and family members who can talk first-hand about the
need for strong health and safety protections, the important of campaigning and
of strong and active unions. Consider inviting elected officials and community
leaders to participate in the call.
Coming Soon - downloadable #IWMD posters, social media
graphics and video.
Events and stunts
If you are working on the front lines during the outbreak, organise an
event at your workplace to promote the issues of workers' right to a safe job
and hold your employer accountable for keeping you safe. It could be a socially
distanced stunt, a minute’s silence or a lunch time letter writing exercise.
Reach out to the press to increase public awareness of the dangers working
people face on the job.
Become a rep, recruit a rep
Every day, trade union health and safety reps in workplaces save lives
and prevent illness and injury. Does your workplace have a health & safety
rep? If not, contact your union about becoming one. If it does, why not train
up more reps? Contact trade unionists you know who'd make great safety reps and
encourage them to take on the role.
Display a poster
Use the window of your home or your workplace noticeboard to raise
awareness of #IWMD20, or share one digitally online.
Hazards Campaign have produced a poster, which you can download in
high-res here. Brand new TUC posters coming
soon.
Support for the bereaved
Trade unions have been crucial in securing bereavement and compassionate
leave in workplaces. As we come together to remember those who have lost their
lives, as union activists we can also reach out to support those experiencing
grief.
There may be practical steps unions can take to remember colleagues,
like a book of condolences or setting up an online memorial page. Some branches
have established online fundraisers for a charity close to the heart of a
colleague, or to raise money for the family to cover the cost of a funeral.
Experiencing a bereavement in isolation will be particularly tough.
Attendance at funerals is currently restricted due to social distancing
measures, but a minute silence or vigil could allow colleagues the opportunity
to come together to remember collectively. Union branches may also wish to send
a card, flowers or other tokens to the family.
Use and share resources
The International Trade Union Confederation has created resources, and
these posters are available in a number of languages via http://28april.org/
When sharing stats and stories, reference The Whole Story report from Hazards
Campaign, which gives the full picture of work-related deaths based on
research.
Reel News has produced an excellent video, featuring construction
workers. Construction is already one of the deadliest jobs, with serious safety
hazards - this video explains why their work is even more dangerous during the
pandemic.
Further information
