Dear Brother/Sister
Upcoming memorial events
I am writing to call on the support of all FBU members for the following two important events:
- International Workers Memorial Day - Tuesday 28th April
- Firefighters Memorial Day - Monday 4th May
At this time of crisis we could not have a starker reminder of the cost in lives from work-related injury and diseases across all industries and services, not just in the UK, but also worldwide. We must therefore pledge to remember those we have lost and organise in their memory. We are therefore calling on FBU members to support these two memorial days in the following manner:
International Workers Memorial Day
International Workers Memorial Day 2020 is on 28th April and its focus is on a collective day of remembrance and solidarity for all workers who have lost their lives as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. The 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.
On this day we are calling on all FBU members to remember these workers in the traditional way of firefighters, by standing for a minute’s silence on the forecourt of fire stations and other Fire & Rescue Service workplaces. By doing so we will show our solidarity and respect for all workers affected by the pandemic, bus drivers, health workers, social care workers and the many others who have shown themselves to be at the forefront of protecting and delivering for our communities and society during this time of crisis. We also know that firefighters have died from the virus in various countries, particularly in Italy and the USA.
To undertake this, we are supporting the call made by the Royal College of Nursing, the Royal College of Midwives and UNISON – who collectively represent more than a million NHS and public service staff – to undertake a minute’s silence at 11am on Tuesday 28 April. Those at work are asked to do so outside the workplace in a public display of commemoration and solidarity. Please maintain social distancing guidelines while undertaking this.
Firefighters Memorial Day
Firefighters Memorial Day is on Monday 4th May and is a day of international solidarity and remembrance for all firefighters and Fire & Rescue workers across the world. On this day we are once again calling for a visible act of remembrance for the bravery and sacrifice of all firefighters who have died in the line of duty, including over 2,300 UK firefighters who have lost their lives whilst serving their communities.
In the tradition of past years, this will be expressed by a minute's silence beginning at 12 midday which will be called and ended by the sounding of appliance sirens or other appropriate means.
Full details of these two events will be promulgated in due course, but I wanted to give all members an early indication of the importance of these two upcoming events and call on the safe participation of as many people as possible. In doing so, it is vital that all members undertake social distancing and other precautions.
Remember the dead; fight for the living.
Best wishes.
Yours fraternally
Matt Wrack
General Secretary
