Remember the dead, think of the living

28.04.09

UNISON has welcomed the announcement that the government is to launch a consultation into whether workers’ memorial day - which takes place today - should have official recognition in future years.

“Officially recognising workers’ memorial day would help put pressure on employers to make sure their workplaces are as safe as they can be. It would be a fitting tribute to the thousands killed or injured at their work,” said UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis.

The union has been campaigning for some time to get April 28 officially recognised as a day of remembrance for those who have died, been injured, or been made ill by their work.

It is already a national day in many countries around the world, including Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Luxembourg, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Taiwan and the USA.

Today at noon, workers across the union’s branches observed a minute’s silence to remember those who have died or been seriously injured in the workplace. Memorial services also took place across the country to mark the day.