Workers' Memorial Day 28th April 2008

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. Workers’ Memorial Day commemorates those workers.

Workers’ Memorial Day is held on 28 April every year, all over the world workers and their representatives conduct events, demonstrations, vigils and a whole host of other activities to mark the day. The day is also intended to serve as a rallying cry to “remember the dead, but fight like hell for the living”. For more information on Workers Memorial Day click visit www.tuc.org.uk/h_and_s/index.cfm?mins=293 www.hazards.org/wmd/

One of the continuing themes of Workers' Memorial Day is Prevention and Accountability. Workplace deaths are avoidable and poor health and safety is the cause. Unite the union is one of the unions that campaigned for a corporate manslaughter law. Last year Parliament finally passed the Corporate Manslaughter Act which came into effect on 6th April 2008. For more details of the Unite campaign visit www.amicustheunion.org/default.aspx?page=1286