GMB SUPPORT ONE MINUTES SILENCE AT 11AM 28 APRIL TO MARK WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY IN LONDON AND EAST OF ENGLAND

This day marks that every year more people are killed at work than in war and most don’t die of mystery ailments, or in tragic “accidents” says GMB

GMB, the union for general workers in London and the East of England, is encouraging members and the public, on Tuesday 28 April, to mark International Workers Memorial Day to remember workers killed or injured at work. Events have a special poignancy this year as health, transport and other key workers have lost their lives in the Covid-19 pandemic.

The centre piece of the events this year is as follows:

National One Minutes silence
At 11am on Tuesday, 28th April.

Across the country.

GMB is supporting this and asking the public to take part in the minute’s silence. This will be a moment to pay tribute to the sacrifice made of so many workers during the pandemic, to remember those who’ve sadly lost their lives, and to thank all those who continue to do vital work at great risk. See notes to editors below for how to mark Workers Memorial day.

Shaun Graham, Senior Officer for Health & Safety said:

The original theme for the 2020 International Workers’ Memorial Day was mental health. However the corona virus has taken precedence understandably.

Covid-19 has never been more related to mental health than at this time, both go hand in hand. Due to the Covid-19 outbreak there have been issues about social distancing, people being forced into work unnecessarily, people have been threatened with the loss of their job if they don’t attend and many of course are not being paid if they self isolate or not furloughed.

The most important thing at this moment in time, is that the GMB continues to ensure that front line key workers are protected in every way possible through social distancing, and through the supply of proper, correct PPE and that every effort is made to ensure that any non essential workers are furloughed, or sent home on full pay.

We should also remember that those who are isolated because of the corona virus, are not forgotten, and that their employers ensure that there are systems in place to communicate and support those workers, especially those who are isolated on their own and have mental health conditions, existing and new.

We should also remember those members, colleagues and family friends, who have sadly passed away due to the corona virus, and support and celebrate those who have safely recovered having received care from our wonderful NHS and social carers.

We should also take part on the day in memory of all workers, that have passed away due to bad health & safety practices in the workplace, including Covid-19.

GMB London Region continues for fight for our members, to ensure that poor health & safety is eradicated as a reason for death or accidents at work.

Warren Kenny said:

‘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. International Workers’ Memorial Day (IWMD) commemorates those workers.