Eleven Victorian workers have already died at work in 2009. It is expected that many more workers will be injured or made ill from their work before this year is through.
Every year more people are killed at work than in wars. Most don't die of mystery ailments, or in tragic "accidents". They die because an employer decided their safety just wasn't that important a priority. Workers’ Memorial Day commemorates those workers.
Worker’s Memorial Day is held on 28 April every year, all over the world workers and their representatives conduct events, demonstrations, vigils and a whole host of other activities to mark the day. The day is also intended to serve as a rallying cry to “remember the dead, but fight like hell for the living”.
International Workers Memorial Day, Tuesday 28 April 2009, is the day the union movement unites globally to mourn the dead and fight for the living.
Later this month the general union movement will be gathering at 10:20am at
The global theme for the day is again “Good Occupational Health for All Workers” and the general Victorian union movement is focusing on the current National Review into Model OHS Laws. As part of the on-going campaign, OHS Reps, Deputy OHS Reps, delegates and concerned workers met at Trades Hall last week for a Briefing on Recommendations for a new Model Law. Read more here.
Workers Memorial Day this year focuses on what rights workers and OHS Reps may lose out of this process and what may be gained from it.
Download the leaflet at the bottom of this page for distribution in your workplace. Read more about the international campaign on the Hazards website.
Events in
At Trades Hall
A commemoration ceremony is being organised by the VTHC jointly with IDSA. Speakers will include VTHC President, Ann Taylor, Deanne May from IDSA and others.
Where: Argyle Place, Lygon St (two blocks north of Trades Hall)
When: 10:20am, with the ceremony starting at 10:30, and concluding with a one minute silence and wreath laying at 11:00am.Morning Tea will be provided afterwards by IDSA (Industrial Deaths Support and Advocacy).
Contact: Margot Hoyte 9662 3511, 0413 482 973
Gippsland
The Gippsland Asbestos Related Diseases Support Inc. (GARDS) will hold its Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony on International Workers’ Memorial Day in memory of workers who die, are injured or fall ill as a result of their work. An ecumenical service will be conducted by Minister Steve Briggs from Moe Baptist Church . Singer/Musician Paddy O’Dowd and Commercial Road Primary School Choir will sing through out the ceremony and the GARDS Scottish bag pipers will be participating. Speakers include Raelene Billingsley from the State Emergency Service; Chris Ireland, a Sydney photographer; John Parker, Secretary of Gippsland Trades & Labour Council; and Vicki Hamilton Secretary of GARDS. For more information contact Vicki Hamilton on 0407274173.
Where: Centenary Rose Garden, Commercial Road, Morwell
When: 11.00am Tuesday April 28th. After the ceremony there will be a free BBQ lunch with the compliments of the Gippsland Trades & Labour Council
Health and Safety Reps are encouraged to consider organising an event, even if small, at their workplaces. Materials are being developed to assist with this and will soon be available to download from the website. Please let us know if you are planning any local events and we'll help publicise them.