Stirling Council Trade Unions, Elected Members and staff gathered at the memorial tree in the grounds of Old Viewforth this morning (Fri) to lay wreaths ahead of International Workers’ Memorial Day on Monday 28 April. The day is to remember all those around the world who have lost their lives at work, or from work-related injury or disease.
In speeches at today’s wreath-laying, Tony Caleary from Unison and Pat Egan from Unite said that remembering those lost was not enough, and the occasion should be used to reaffirm our commitment to creating safe environments for all.
Tony said: “I think that everyone needs to be reminded that Health and Safety is everyone’s responsibility and that responsibility extends beyond the workplace.” In a particularly poignant moment, he reminded people of the very real impact of workplace accidents, where lives could have been saved had proper health and safety been observed. This included Bhopal in India, where the Union Carbide plant spewed deadly gas into the air after a series of catastrophic health and safety failures. Tony visited the plant for the 30th anniversary and spoke to survivors, recalling one victim who only knew something was wrong when birds started falling from the sky. “It’s an image I will never forget,” said Tony.
Pat Egan said IWMD was a day of profound significance and should be seen as a call to action. “We must act. We must advocate for stricter safety standards, foster a culture where health and well-being are paramount, and ensure employers take their responsibility to protect workers seriously. Every workplace must be safe – safe from harm, exploitation and neglect.”
On Monday, the Council participated in the national one-minute silence at 12:00.
Unison Stirling sponsored the Wallace Monument to be lit up purple on Monday 28 April. This is in support of the Hazards campaign, in which the colour purple is used to remember and honour those killed or injured at work.
Stirling UNISON 