Events are taking place across the world today to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day.
The day, which takes place each year on 28 April, is recognised by the UK government and this year takes the theme of ‘Protecting workers around the world through strong regulation, enforcement and union rights’.
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has supported the launch of a campaign to improve working conditions in the fashion industry, one year on from the Rana Plaza factory collapse.
IOSH President Tim Briggs said: “Today, we mark International Workers’ Memorial Day. Coming so soon after the first anniversary of the Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh, it is perhaps right this year that we remember those who have died this past 12 months because of terrible workplace conditions.
“In the 21st century, it cannot be right that those making the products we consume, wherever they work in the world, do so at great risk to their own safety.
“And this is why our Institution strongly supports the application of corporate social responsibility principles by larger organisations to improve health and safety standards among their suppliers.
“Let today bring a focus on occupational safety and health, in which employers recognise their moral duty to protect people from harm no matter where they work in their supply chains. And let’s learn the lessons of tragedies like Rana Plaza, so we can prevent recurrences of such terrible events.”
In London this morning, a demonstration took place outside the Qatar Embassy to protest over the deaths of workers on building sites in Qatar, while elsewhere in the city, a memorial rally took place at Building Worker statue in remembrance of all those who have lost their lives at work.
This evening, Katy Clark MP for North Ayrshire and Arran will be hosting an event in Parliament to mark the day, with a panel including Gail Cartmail, assistant general secretary for Unite and Hilda Palmer, Hazards campaign.
For a full list of events taking place across the UK today, including remembrance and commemorative services, visit the Trade Unions Congress website.
Follow the day’s action on twitter, #IWMD14.
