International Workers Memorial Day events 2017

IWMD17

GMB in Milton Keynes event on Sunday 23rd April as part of International Workers Memorial Day in London Region

On 23^rd April 2017 GMB members will join other trades union members from union branches that cover Milton Keynes will commemorate International Workers Memorial Day at the MK Rose,Campbell Park Milton Keynes.

This is one of many events taking place across the region to mark International Workers Memorial Day on 28th April to remember workers killed or injured at work and to step up efforts to prevent others being killed or injured in the future.

Workers Memorial Day is commemorated throughout the world and is officially recognised by the UK Government.

In Milton Keynes on 23rd Unions with their banners will assemble in the John Lewis Coach Park at 11.30am. It will then march to the MK Rose( short distance) lead by the Wolverton Brass Band to mark the commemoration. At 12 noon the laying of wreaths. The Mayor of Milton Keynes will make an address followed by Pete Marland the Leader of the MK Council and Sarah Carpenter Unite National Officer for Health.

Other events GMB will be supporting in London and East of England are as follows on 28th April:

Chelmsford - 12.30pm at Central Park, (near the lake and viaduct at the Memorial Tree). The guest speaker will be Dan McCarthy, Vice-President of the NASUWT

Walthamstow - 5.45am at Low Hall Depot - a commemoration for the worker who died in a dust cart crash a few years ago

Leyton - 11am at Bakers Arms - a commemoration for Marian Nemit who died whilst carrying our construction work on a shop site

Waltham Forest - 1pm at Town Hall WMD Event, food and refreshments available

Tower Hill - 10.30-11.30am, Building Workers' Statute, London

Colchester - 7.30pm at International Workers Memorial Tree in Castle Park followed by refreshments at the Forresters Arms in Castle Road, Colchester, CO1 1UW

Dennis Brett, Branch Retired Members Officer, Milton Keynes, said:

"The purpose behind Workers' Memorial Day has always been to "remember the dead: fight for the living" and unions are  holding this  event in Milton Keynes  to remember all those killed through work but at the same time ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated.

In Milton Keynes that can best be done by building trade union organisation, and campaigning for stricter enforcement with higher penalties for breaches of health & safety laws."

Shaun Graham, GMB Regional Health and safety officer, said:

"Workers Memorial Day means a lot to the London Region, we have people very close to us who have suffered loss to family members due to bad health and safety practices that could have been avoided.

In 2017 the theme for the day is Good health and safety for all workers whoever they are and will focus on inequalities in occupational health and the role unions play in narrowing the inequalities gap. GMB particularly want to focus on the hidden and new GIG economies, the risks faced by migrant workers and the issues of gender and class."

ENDS

Contact: Dennis Brett on 07890 813894 or Shaun Graham on 07885 706556