Workers Memorial Day – Health and safety is a fundamental workers’ right

Union Matters, Health & Safety April 28 2021


Every year the trade union movement unites to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day and as we have every year since its inception, we at the CWU give it our full support, writes Dave Joyce, CWU national health, safety & environment officer…

“Today, 28th April, is a very special day in the calendar for trade unionists around the world as we mark International Workers’ Memorial Day, remembering those who have lost their lives at work, or from work-related injury and diseases and we commit to continue to fight for better health and safety standards at work as well as defending those standards against any attacks and erosion of health and safety protections.

The Coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic swept around the world bringing new dangers and difficulties to those essential workers like CWU members who have worked through the pandemic, providing essential postal and telecommunication services, keeping the country going, keeping our nation connected, delivering essential goods and test kit services for the NHS through three lockdowns when no alternatives were available, and coping with huge increases in the parcel traffic carried by postal services.

And throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the CWU, our fantastic reps in workplaces all around the country have continued to prioritise the health and safety of our members and the vital role this union plays in this period.

Tragically, the Virus infected thousands of our members and killed a number of them also. We will be especially remembering the pandemic victims this year.

We in the CWU and other unions will renew our efforts to organise collectively to work to prevent more deaths, injuries and disease as a result of work going forward.

A minute’s silence is traditionally observed at 11am on this day and, if you can, please take a minute to remember those who have lost their lives, reflecting on how we can all continue to work together to keep workplaces safe and in solidarity with all workers.

Today, unions and our members can send a message that health and safety protection at work for all is a fundamental right that every single worker must have.

We remember the dead – we fight for the living

  • For further information, please see LTB 112/21