Workers Memorial Day, Preston and Chorley

Workers' Memorial Day, International Workers' Memorial Day or International Commemoration Day (ICD) for Dead and Injured takes place annually around the world on April 28, an international day of remembrance and action for workers killed, disabled, injured or made unwell by their work.

According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), across the world:

Each year, more than two million women and men die as a result of work-related accidents and diseases

Workers suffer approximately 270 million occupational accidents each year, and fall victim to some 160 million incidents of work-related illnesses

Hazardous substances kill 440,000 workers annually – asbestos claims 100,000 lives

One worker dies every 15 seconds worldwide.

6,000 workers die every day.

Work kills more people than wars.

In a world, where on occasions death, injury and illness at work are hidden away and taken for granted, Workers' Memorial Day is an opportunity to highlight the preventable nature of most workplace accidents and ill health and to promote campaigns and union organisation in the fight for improvements in workplace safety. The slogan for the day is:

Remember the dead - Fight for the living.

Although the 28 April is used as the focal point for remembrance and a day of International solidarity; campaigning and other related activities continue throughout the year right around the world.

Preston is no exception, and there will be a memorial service held in Chorley too:

Preston - March and rally on Saturday 25th April 11.30 am at Preston Flag Market for more information about it, please contact: WMD c/o Trade Union Education, 5th Floor, Buckingham House, Preston PR1 3LS, Chair: Andy Birchall, 01772 223112 www.lancashiretradeunions.org.uk

Chorley - Chorley Branch of Unite the Union are holding a multi-faith memorial service at the Unite Workers Memorial Tree in Astley Park, Chorley, on Friday 24th, April at 6pm Meet at the Park gates (Park Road) at 5:50pm, all welcome. For more information Steve Turner (Branch Secretary) Mob- 07859369492
www.chorleytradescouncil.co.uk



This years memorial day will be particularly poignant, as millions of workers internationally have lost their jobs as a result of the catastrophic world recession.