April 28th is the day each year when the trade union movement remembers those who have lost their lives at work, or from work related injury and diseases.
Although not necessarily well known this year the coronavirus
brings the issue of workers affected by work related disease to the forefront of our minds. As the TUC notes “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 remember those we have lost. We organise in their memory”.
Because the usual rallies around the country which mark the day cannot take place the unions are asking for a silent tribute to key workers killed by the virus.
Please observe a minute’s silence today at 11 a.m. to remember the health, care and other key workers who have died from the coronavirus.
Dave Prentis Unison’s General Sectary was quoted in the Guardian (20/04/20) as saying “The minute’s silence is a thank you to all the workers, including nurses, midwives, cleaners and care staff, who have died from this devastating virus”.
