Workers Memorial Day - Tuesday 28 April 2020 Theme: Coronavirus

For a number of years my trade union branch (UNISON Greater London Housing Associations) and West Ham Labour Party have supported Workers Memorial Day with a ceremony at the "Clasping Hands" statute in Stratford.

Workers Memorial Day is an international event held every 28 April to remember workers who have been killed at work or have died from work related diseases.

This year we cannot hold such a physical memorial event due to Coronavirus social isolation requirements, but I think everyone understands that 2020 Workers Memorial Day, will be especially important, as we remember all the health and care workers who have died from Coronavirus as well all the other workers such as the bus drivers, cleaners and shop workers.

Check out the call by the TUC for a minutes silence at 11am on Tuesday 28 April.

I have to make the point that no one mentions at the current daily Government briefings on Coronavirus that we are now trying to play catch up after 10 years of austerity for the NHS and social care never mind the official ridicule and scorn shown in this past decade towards workers "elf & safety".

#UNDC13 Health & Safety Fringe - thursday lunchtime fringe

The NDC health and safety fringe was titled "Safety in Numbers" with presentations on campaigning in hospitals and Glasgow City branch on workplace stress.

There was some disquiet on the perceived lack of emphasis by some delegates on health and safety in conference business and the UNIZONE. While I think we need to do far more on safety issues in recent years it has raised its profile at conference. We, the activists just need to do more to increase this profile further.

One suggestion was that many members do not appreciate "elf & safety" at work but when you ask are they concerned about stress, violence, overwork, bullying...? they "get it". Another was that a set time for conference ought to be set aside to debate workplace health and safety issues.