International Workers’ Memorial Day (IWMD) is a day to remember people who have been killed, injured or made ill by work. It is a day when workers focus on health and safety at work, both in our workplaces and at events locally, nationally and worldwide.
To mark International Workers’ Memorial Day the Irish Congress of Trade Unions is organising a wreath laying ceremony on Thursday 25 April at 1.00pm at the IWMD Commemorative Tree in the grounds of Parliament Buildings, just before the security hut as you come down from the main car park, Stormont Estate.
We are asking members to join us at this event. We are also asking branches to consider organising their own event in the workplace. Here are a range of initiatives you might consider:
- Discuss the purpose of IWMD with your members. This year’s theme is ‘The Climate Crisis and Workers’ Health’, why not open a meaningful discussion amongst members on this topic? The Global union ITUC has published a short video which you might find useful (View Here)
- Hold a minute’s silence at work – wear purple ribbons.
- Organise a Health and Safety Committee meeting.
- Put up a display in a place where your members will see it like the canteen or corridor.
- Organise an event at lunch time.
Sunday 28 April 2024 is an important day and an opportunity to remember and to consolidate everyone’s focus on the issue of workers’ health and safety. We are asking branches to please mark this date now in your calendar and make the commitment to contribute to this essential challenge by carrying out some of the activities above or implementing initiatives of your own.
Please circulate this information as widely as possible and support the events.