Workers’ Memorial Day and TUC Day of Action to defend health and safety – 28 April 2013

Mourne the dead

The purpose behind Workers’ Memorial Day has always been to “remember the dead: fight for the living” and unions are asked to focus on both areas, by considering events or memorial to remember all those killed through work but at the same time ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated. That can best be done by building trade union organisation, and campaigning for stricter enforcement with higher penalties for breaches of health & safety laws.

Workers Memorial Day is commemorated throughout the world and is officially recognised by the UK Government.

Below is a list of some of the events that are happening up and down the country. Some of these events will also feature a minute’s silence at noon, or a suitable time. All are on 28th April unless indicated otherwise.

North West

Blackburn Assemble 12.30 at WMD Tree at Northgate 2 mins silence and laying of wreaths. Contact Sec. Ian Gallagher, ig@eyegal.demon.co.uk

Bolton Meet 11 am at Bolton UNISON, Howell Croft House, Bolton BL1 1QY for refreshment, 11,10am march led by piper to Victoria Square. Speakers, minutes silence and release of balloons. Contact  Sec. Martin McMulkin : mmcmulkin@hotmail.com

Chorley 26th April. Meet at the Gates of Astley Park, Park Road, Chorley at 5:45pm for an event at the WMD Tree. Range of speakers form the trade union movement and the local MP, Lindsay Hoyle

Liverpool Assemble at UCATT’s Memorial in Hunter Street, Liverpool.  11.45 a.m. Speakers include Lynn Collins, Reg. Sec. NWTUC and Bill Parry, UCATT Reg. Council Chairman.

Liverpool Merseyside Joint Trade Unions are organising a commemoration at 13:00. Assemble on the South Piazza of Georges Dock Building (Corner of Mann Island and the Strand) Pier Head, Liverpool L3 1DD. Speakers to include representatives from local Trade Unions, Local MPs, Asbestos Awareness and Solicitors.

Manchester Rally at Albert Square 11am to 12 noon with one minutes silence followed by music and speeches. From 12:30, at the People’s History Museum there will be a Workers Memorial Day Exhibition, short speeches and presentation of prizes for schools IWMD competition winner and refreshments. For more information contact Hilda Palmer mail@gmhazards.org.uk, 0161 636 7557
Preston Gather at 11.30am in Flag Market, minutes silence at 12 noon, service and speakers, more information from http:// www.lancashiretradeunions.org.uk

Wigan 12 noon at WMD tree in Mesnes Park; speakers Ian Hodson President BFAWU, Lisa Nandy MP.

Events Outside the Northwest