Dear Brother/Sister,
International Workers Memorial Day 28 April 2021
Every year on April 28th, all around the world the trade union movement unites to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day (#IWMD21). 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. We remember those we have lost and we organise in their memory.
Each year, the International Trades Union Congress decides on a theme for Workers' Memorial Day, the theme for 2021 is ‘Health and Safety is a fundamental workers' right’.
This year, the Covid-19 pandemic has exposed an occupational health crisis in workplaces worldwide and the Fire and Rescue Service certainly hasn’t been removed from that.
Whether by actions such as ripping up agreed Covid-19 safety measures, reducing crew sizes or imposing unlawful shift systems to name just a few, it is clear that Firefighter safety is not a priority to Government or Fire Bosses. Once again it has fallen on organised firefighters and control staff in the FBU to defend and demand safety at work and in the FRS.
This all makes marking #IWMD21 and organising members to demand safety all the more important. Head Office have produced resources to assist with this, graphics can be found attached to this circular. Please share them through your networks and social media accounts.
The TUC has also produced some new resources to help reps and activists mark the day, reminding everyone why safety at work is so important. You can find all TUC events, info and resources at www.tuc.org.uk/wmd.
Here are 5 ways to get involved with Workers’ Memorial Day:
- Register for the TUC national zoom with special guest speakers
- Check out the historical timeline of workplace tragedies and the fight for safer work
- Visit the online memorial and pay tribute to a FBU member or worker you know who lost their life
- Search for your local Memorial Day event or add your own
- Share The attached FBU graphics online and on noticeboards
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.
This #IWMD21 we remember and commemorate every FBU member we have lost this past year and every worker.
Remember the dead. Fight for the living.
Yours in unity,
Riccardo la Torre
National Officer
