International Workers Memorial Day 28th April 2017

 

Wreath laying ceremony and speeches

outside Sheffield Town Hall, Pinstone Street

1230hrs- 1330hrs Friday 28th April 2017

 

Opened by Lord Mayor Cllr. Denise Fox

 

This year’s speakers include

Paul Blomfield MP Sheffield Central

Cllr Julie Dore, Leader Sheffield City Council

Rob Morris UNITE (UCATT Construction)

Paula Walker, Sheffield and Rotherham Asbestos Group

Lee Parkinson GMB

Rod Padley UNISON City of Sheffield Branch

Speakers invited from RMT and FBU

Jawad Qaswari, Hazards

Tim Jones, Sheffield Mental Health Action Group (MHAGS)

Cllr Chris Peace, Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign

 

There will be a minute’s silence after the above speakers,

followed by a short closing address by:

Martin Mayer, Secretary STUC

 

Bob Jeffery, STUC President, will preside over the event

 

“Remember the Dead – Fight for the Living”

 

Union branches and their members are encouraged to attend this event and bring their banners. Please also arrange to purchase a wreath to lay at the foot of the Memorial Tree outside the Town Hall

 

Sheffield Trade Union Council will once more be hosting this year’s International Workers Memorial Day ceremony outside Sheffield Town Hall on Friday 28th April, commencing 1230hrs.

 

This is an internationally recognised event with similar activities taking place in towns and cities all around the globe.

 

“Each year, thousands of workers experience serious accidents at work causing injuries which can and often do lead to permanent disability” said Martin Mayer STUC Secretary. “Worse still, far too many workers die – either immediately or in some cases years afterwards following long periods of pain and suffering.”

 

“It doesn’t have to be this way” added Martin Mayer. “We need safer workplaces; proper and effective Health and Safety legislation; and trained and qualified Trade Union Health and Safety Representatives” he said. Safe workplaces are invariably more productive ones – but today all too often employers are resisting trade union organisation and trying to prevent trade unions taking up vital issues like health and safety.

 

Today’s’ event is also a positive one – recognising the vital role that trade unions play in the workplace, ensuring workers have a safe and healthy working environment. “We want workers to go to work confident that they will be safe – to come home again each day safely!” added Martin Mayer

 

 

 

Martin Mayer is Secretary of Sheffield Trade Union Council, the body which represents trade unions in Sheffield. He can be contacted on 0776 1078482

 

The press are very welcome to attend and cover this event.

 

 

 

Sheffield Trade Union Council (Front Door Letterbox)

Trades and Labour Club

200 Duke Street

Sheffield S2 5QQ