What is International Workers’ Memorial Day?

Each year workers around the world mark International Workers’ Memorial Day (IWMD) on 28 April. On this day, we remember those that have lost their lives or have experienced injury and ill health at work, and organise to improve workplace safety.

A collective struggle for safe workplaces is all the more critical this year. Covid-19 has seen hundreds of workers’ lives lost providing essential services, and exposed the limitations to protection in our health and safety structures. For 2021, the international trade union movement will come together and send a message that health and safety protection at work must be recognised as a right for all.  

How can CSP members get involved?

The UK government recognises IWMD, and CSP reps could request employers mark #IWMD21 with a minute’s silence when clinically possible.

To spread the message that health and safety protections at work is an essential right for all workers, members could organise a socially-distanced stunt, letter-writing session, or phone bank. 

For more ideas and support, see the #IWMD21 website, where the TUC and others will post campaign resources and updates for 28 April.

Introducing an effective safety culture at work requires active commitment from us all.

Our trade union health and safety reps play a key role in improving working conditions for all CSP members.

Support your safety reps in their efforts to improve health and safety standards.  If you have no rep, take on the important role of becoming a safety rep.  

• Donna Steele is CSP national health and safety officer