Today, the Greater London UNISON Housing Association branch marked International Workers Memorial Day at the “clasping hands” statue in 3 Mills Green, Stratford, for what I believe is the 17th year. This day honours workers in the UK and around the world who have lost their lives or been injured at work due to accidents or industrial diseases.
At this very site, four workers tragically died in a wholly avoidable incident caused by carbon monoxide poisoning in an underground shaft. Three of them lost their lives while heroically trying to rescue others, succumbing to the gas themselves.
Thanks go to local Newham MP James Asser for attending and speaking on the importance of workplace safety, and to Clarion Housing Group Health and Safety Advisors who laid a wreath. UNISON National Officer Andrew Dobbie, who researched the tragedy, gave a talk at the actual shaft where these workers died.
GMB rep Simon Rush read a message from Newham Labour Mayoral Candidate. Forhad Hussain, an engineer working on a major construction project, reflecting on lessons still relevant today from these preventable deaths. GMB member Heather Lafferty also made a moving personal contribution.
It was also so good to hear from Labour Movement stalwart and retired Unite, UCU member, John Saunders, who delivered a passionate speech about the countless workers who have needlessly died over the years, here and across the globe. Many thanks as well to local Stratford Cllr Sabia Kamali for her support.
It was a proud Labour Movement Day.
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