International Workers Memorial Day – Remember the dead and fight for the living

The 28th of April is International Workers Memorial Day, but in most Australia states this is commemorated on the 27th of April, tomorrow! It is a day for remembering someone lost in a senseless work place tragedy; and it is also a day where unions around the world campaign for improvements in workplace health and safety.

International Workers Memorial Day

International Memorial Day was started by the Canadian Union of Public Employees in 1984, and adopted by the Canadian Labour Congress in 1985.

International Memorial day has since been officially recognised by more than 20 countries, including the USA and the UK.

In Australia, the workplace related death toll is estimated to be more than 4.7 times higher than the Australian road toll.  In 2008 there were 1,464 road deaths, while a government body has estimated that there are more than 7,000 work related deaths each year.

Melbourne

When: Friday, 27 April, commencing at 10:30am
Where: The Rock, Victorian Trades Hall Council, cnr Victoria and Lygon Streets, Carlton, Melbourne.
What:  Memorial event
Contact:  Renata Musolino rmusolino@vthc.org.au (03) 9659 3511

Sydney

When: Saturday 28th April, from 11:45am for 12:00 noon
Where: Reflection Park, Little Pier Street, Darling Harbour  (opposite Sydney Entertainment Centre)
What: International Day of Mourning Service with families who have lost loved ones in the workplace.
Contact: Robyn Griffith on 9881 5916 or email rgriffith@unionsnsw.org.au

Adelaide

When: Saturday, 28 April at 10:30am
Where:  Pilgrim Uniting Church 12 Flinders Street Adelaide
What: Ecumenical Service, including symbolic dove and memorial balloon release.

Brisbane

When: Friday, 27 April, commencing at 10.00am
Where: Workers’ Memorial Emma Miller Place (Roma St Forum).Brisbane, QLD
What:  Memorial event, including the Minister for Employment and Workplace relations
Contact: Pamela Grassick pg@safework.qld.edu.au

Canberra

When: Friday 27 April, commencing at 11:00am
Where:  King’s Park, near the Carillion by the shore of Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra (the site of the planned National Memorial)
What: Unions ACT will hold its observation of Workers Memorial Day.  There will be a BBQ supplied by the Canberra Branch of the CFMEU at the conclusion of the ceremony. All welcome.
Contact:  Tim McCann tmccann@unionsact.org.au (02) 6247 7844

 Perth

When: Friday, 27 April, commencing 10:30am
Where:  Solidarity Park, corner of Parliament Place and Harvest Terrace, West Perth
What: Memorial event.
Contact: Linda Morich, 9328 7877 or 0448 778 850 or lmorich@unionswa.com.au

28th April
Workers Memorial Day

This page is dedicated to all workers who have suffered illness, injury and death or who have been senselessly killed as a consequence of their work

Shortlink: http://aworkcovervictimsdiary.com/?p=7325