The National Commemoration for Workers’ Memorial Day will take place on Monday, 29th April 2024 at 9:30 a.m. in the Garden of Remembrance, Dublin. This commemoration will be led by ICTU and supported by Government, IBEC, the Health and Safety Authority and CIF. The General Secretary of ICTU, Owen Reidy, will be accompanied by the CEO of the Health and Safety Authority, Conor O’Brien, and Minister of State, Emer Higgins, who will call for a minute silence in memory of all those who have tragically died at, or because of, work.
The CWU is to the fore in marking this Annual International Day by our involvement in the ICTU Health and Safety Committee. On Workers’ Memorial Day 2014 we unveiled a plaque at Head Office in remembrance of those killed, injured, or made ill as a result of their work. It is very important we remember colleagues or friends who have been injured or killed at work. In the words of Mother Jones, the renowned Trade Union Organiser in America we should:
“Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living”.
Last year in Ireland, 43 workers were killed in work-related incidents and many more were either injured or were made ill while working. This is more than a 50% increase on the previous year, demonstrating we cannot be complacent when it comes to workplace safety. This does not tell the full story, as Road Safety analysis of road traffic collision data between 2018 and 2022, found that 8% of drivers killed and 12% of those seriously injured, were driving for work. Separately, the Irish Cancer Society has stated that 5% of all cancer deaths are linked to occupation.
Trade Unions working together with employers and workers can achieve a reduction in these numbers by promoting the positive impact of good Occupational Health and Safety. Trade Unions play a major role in making workplaces safer and the pressure we apply both nationally and internationally, are key to creating a workplace where prevention is the norm. Workers’ Memorial Day is an opportunity to remember all those we have lost and to celebrate the contribution of those who continue to make us safer.
We are requesting all Branches to participate in this day of remembrance by organising a minute silence in offices on the 29th April to remember workers who sadly have lost their lives at, or because of, work and the many more injured or who have contracted occupational illnesses. Safety Reps can also highlight the day by carrying out workplace inspections.
Branches should forward any clips or photos to fan@cwu.ie for inclusion in our Social Media campaign on the day. Branches can also share photos on social media by use the hashtag #WMD24 #IWMD24 and tag @irishcongress and @HSA into you post. As part of our social media campaign, we will post our own Health and Safety messages via our Social Media platforms. Please scan the QR codes at the of this letter to follow our social media platforms.
Please bring the above to the attention of all members and encourage them to get involved in the campaign.
