Stop the Pandemic in the Workplace
Remember the dead, fight like hell for the living
Ian Malcolm-Walker writes on the origins of Workers’ Memorial Day and its 2020 theme ‘Stop the Pandemic in the Workplace.’
On Tuesday April 28th there will be a minute’s silence at 11 am to commemorate those killed or disabled, injured or made unwell at work. This is particularly poignant and relevant in the year of Covid-19.
History and Origins of Workers’ Memorial Day
Hazards Campaigner Tommy Harte brought International Workers’ Memorial Day (IWMD) to the UK in the 1990s from Canada and USA, with two aims: to “Remember the Dead” and to “Fight for the Living.” The Hazards Campaign promotes and resources IWMD which is now commemorated in hundreds of events across the UK from Aberdeen to Penzance. Or at least it is in most years.
Workers' Memorial Day, International Workers' Memorial Day or International Commemoration Day (ICD) for Dead and Injured or Day of Mourning takes place annually around the world on April 28, an international day of remembrance and action for workers killed, disabled, injured or made unwell by their work.
Although April 28 is used as the focal point for remembrance and a day of international solidarity, campaigning and other related activities continue throughout the year right around the world.
In 1989, the US trade union federation AFL-CIO declared April 28 "Workers' Memorial Day" to honour the hundreds of thousands of working people killed and injured on the job every year.
April 28th is the anniversary of the date the US Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 went into effect, and when the American Occupational Safety and Health Administration was formed (April 28, 1971).
Previously, in 1984, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) established a day of mourning. The Canadian Labour Congress declared an annual day of remembrance in 1985 on April 28, which is the anniversary of a comprehensive Workers' Compensation Act in Canada passed in 1914.
In the UK, the campaign for Workers’ Memorial Day has been championed by the Hazards Campaign and taken up by trade unions, adopted by Scotland's TUC in 1993, followed by the TUC in 1999 and the Health and Safety Commission.
Theme
Workers Memorial Day has a generic theme “Remember the Dead: Fight for the Living” and sets a theme each year, asbestos, union workplaces are safer workplaces etc.
This year both the shape of activities and the theme itself are dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
This year’s theme is Stop the Pandemic in the Workplace.
Covid-19 death figures are confusing, at best, and, more likely, a misrepresentation and understatement.
So, this year, much activity is in the form of online meetings and social media action.
Activities and Action
One focus in on a minute’s silence at 11 am.
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. Councils and other Public Buildings can be asked – even now – to fly flags at half-mast.
Individuals including those stuck at home can post on Facebook or twitter a picture of themselves holding a candle. Obviously do not try to take a selfie and hold a burning candle at the same time.
People at work should posts pics of themselves showing the adequacy or otherwise of their Personal Protective Equipment.
Union reps should post details of gains they have made in safety from original employers’ practice over Covid-19.
In all cases, use the hashtag #iwmd20 and a small description or statement.
The TUC Education team will be hosting a video call at 2pm on 28th April, where you will be able to hear from speakers and submit questions and contributions in advance. Register for the video call.
UK campaigning network work Families Against Corporate Killers (FACK) has produced a moving and forceful 28 April video memorial which you can view on the link below.
Most UK unions have downloadable resources on their websites.
Ian Malcolm-Walker
Links
Hazards
http://www.hazardscampaign.org.uk/about
includes contact details on social media and in real life
FACK Statement
Also search on your own union and ‘Workers Memorial Day’ for posters etc. Warning - abbreviating to WMD will get a load of stuff on weapons of mass destruction as well
