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Yesterday evening Brent Trades Council held a timely meeting about workers' rights during the Covid-19 crisis hearing from trade unionists representing workers on the front line. The meeting decided to take part in the annual International Workers Memorial Day event which has added relevance at a time when there have been deaths of NHS staff, care workers, bus workers teachers and others as a result of exposure to the virus and government failures to provide the necessary PPE (personal protection equipment).
Details will be published by the Trades Council on Facebook later about any specific Brent events but this is information from the TUC:
Every year on April 28th, all around the world the trade union movement unites to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day (#IWMD20).
We remember those who have lost their lives at work, or from work-related injury and diseases. We renew our efforts to organise collectively to prevent more deaths, injuries and disease as a result of work.
Workers Memorial Day is commemorated throughout the world and is officially recognised by the UK Government.
We remember those we have lost. We organise in their memory.
We remember those who have lost their lives at work, or from work-related injury and diseases. We renew our efforts to organise collectively to prevent more deaths, injuries and disease as a result of work.
Workers Memorial Day is commemorated throughout the world and is officially recognised by the UK Government.
We remember those we have lost. We organise in their memory.
Theme for 2020: Coronavirus
The coronavirus pandemic affects every worker regardless of sector or locality. Tens of thousands of workers worldwide have died. More have fallen ill or continue to go to work risking their lives. Many workers are still attending work ill-equipped and without necessary safety measures in place.We could not have a starker reminder of the important role of trade union health and safety reps in saving and protecting workers’ lives, than the current crisis we are living through.
While we may not be able to attend the memorial events which usually take place on IWMD, as public gatherings around the world are not advised or allowed; there are many ways trade union members can take part in our collective day of remembrance and solidarity.
We remember those we have lost. We organise in their memory.
While we may not be able to attend the memorial events which usually take place on IWMD, as public gatherings around the world are not advised or allowed; there are many ways trade union members can take part in our collective day of remembrance and solidarity.
How you can take part…
Minutes silence
At 11am on Tuesday 28th April, take part in the minute's silence.It will be a moment to pay tribute to the sacrifice made of so many workers during the pandemic, to remember those who've sadly lost their lives, and to thank all those who continue to do vital work at great risk.
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.
Help spread the word about the minute's silence, by encouraging as many friends and colleagues to take part, whether in their workplace of at home.
You can quickly spread the word by posting this tweet, sharing this Facebook status or asking your contacts on WhatsApp to join you in taking part in the silence.