Remember the dead, fight for the living: International Workers’ Memorial Day on April 28.

On Wednesday April 28, workers and families around Australia and the world will be remembering those who have died or become injured at work by taking part in International Workers’ Memorial Day.

While workplace hazards are often downplayed by employers, work is more deadly than war, causing up to 2.3 million fatalities a year through related injuries and disease.

As well as commemorating fallen workers, the day aims to raise awareness and inspire collective action to reduce hazards in the workplace. The day’s slogan is ‘Remember the dead – fight for the living’.

In Australia, unions will use the event to highlight concerns that some safety standards could be lost under a new national system.

The theme for this year is ‘Unions and Health and Safety Reps make work safer’ and unions are urging all members to raise the issue of workplace safety and the role of their union with their workmates and employers.

Unions have long been at the forefront of recognising and campaigning to remove workplace hazards, from asbestos to workplace violence and stress.

Research shows that union representation results in safer workplaces, and that collectively organising around workplace safety issues is the most effective way of preventing occupational risks.

Workers’ Memorial Day, also known as the International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers, was first recognised by the UN in 1996. The Day was started by Canadian Unions in 1984 as a National Day of Mourning for Canadian workers killed or injured in the workplace.

Today the day is recognised by over twenty countries and commemorated by workplace activism, special services, mass rallies, speeches, concerts and laying of wreaths and empty shoes to symbolise those who have been lost.

To get involved in International Workers’ Memorial Day, contact your AMWU OHS representative or local branch. You can also spread the word about workplace safety amongst your workmates and encourage non-union members to join up to improve safety for everyone at your work.


International Workers’ Memorial Day events around Australia:

Victorian Trades Hall Council


VTHC will be marking the day by gathering at 9.30am for a service at Argyle Square in Carlton after which there will a march to trades hall to join combined building unions rally at 10.00am. A minutes silence will be observed at 11.00am. 



When: 9.30am


Where: VTHC



Unions TAS


This year Unions TAS will be focusing on workplace activities and will be distributing black silicon wristbands to workers to be worn on the day. They will also be encouraging workers across Tasmania to observe a minutes silence at 11.00am.



When: 11am for minute of silence


Where: Tasmania 

Unions

NSW


An International Day of Mourning service will be held at Reflection Park, Little Pier Street, Sydney at 12.45 after which, families who have lost a loved one are invited to attend a light lunch at Unions NSW 4 Goulbourn Street, Sydney.



When: 26-27 May


Where: Reflection Park and Unions NSW Atrium



SA Unions 


An ecumenical church service will be held at St. Stephan’s Lutheran Church located at 153 Wakefield Street Adelaide at 10.00am which will be followed by a rally for better safety at work at 12 noon at Victoria Square.  This event is being held in conjunction with SA Unions, Voice of Industrial Death (VOID), Safework SA and The Council of Churches.



When: 10.00am


Where: 153 Wakefield Street



Queensland Council of Unions


Queensland Council of Unions will be hosting an ecumenical service at Emma Miller Place at 10.15 am. This will be followed by an unveiling of a monument in honour of dead and injured workers by The Hon. Cameron Dick, Attorney General and Minister for Industrial Relations.



When: 10.00am


Where: Emma Miller Place 

Unions

WA
Unions

WA will be holding and event at Solidarity Park, Harvest Terrace West Perth commencing at 10.30am. Simone McGurk, Unions WA Secretary, will be opening the event which will be followed by, guest speaker, church service hosted by the Uniting Church, minutes silence and wreath laying. The event will be closed by a bell ringing for each worker who has died in WA Since January 2009.



When: 10.30am


Where: Solidarity Park



Unions NT


This Year Unions NT will be commemorating this day as part of their May Day celebrations. A dinner has been scheduled for Saturday, 1st May 2010 at the Skycity Restaurant, and rally and concert to be held 3rd May 2010. For tickets and further information please visit Unions NT website for further details.

When: See Unions NT website


Where: Skycity Restaurant