For many years, the Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union, in conjunction with other bodies including Hazards and FACK (Families Against Corporate Killing) have campaigned for a national Workers Memorial Day to commemorate thousands of people who have been killed or seriously injured through their work. This campaign was intensified through the work of the BFAWU Parliamentary Group and the TUCG (the Trade Union Coordinating Group), including the hosting of a reception last year at the House of Commons on this subject, sponsored by MWR Solicitors, to take to the campaign to the root of Government.
The BFAWU has just learnt that Government, through the Department of Work and Pensions, intend to announce recognition of this day today (January the 28th, 2010) as follows:
‘The UK will officially recognise Workers Memorial Day to commemorate thousands of people who have died, been seriously injured or made ill through their work, [Government] announced [today].
This follows the Government’s consultation in July to explore options for official recognition of the day, which gained widespread support.
This year, the UK will join the many other countries around the world that officially recognise the Day on 28 April, the International Day of Action for Safety and Health at Work. Formal recognition will reinforce the significance of the day and raise awareness of the number of people who are killed, disabled, injured or made unwell through their work.’
Work and Pensions Secretary of State Yvette Cooper said:
'I am delighted to announce that the UK will officially recognise Workers Memorial Day. This is a tribute to all those who have campaigned long and hard, including bereaved families, trade unions, campaign groups, and many other organisations and individuals.
“For the first time, the UK will join countries across the globe in remembrance of all those killed at work and for the families they have left behind, and the many more who have been harmed. It is also a spur to greater efforts to improve health and safety for today’s and tomorrow’s working population.'
For the full Government statement, click here.
In a statement for the TUCG, the BFAWU National President, Ronnie Draper said:
'The news that Workers Memorial Day is to be recognized in Britain is fantastic and testament to the campaigning strength of Trade Unions and other pressure groups.
The B.F.A.W.U. through their Parliamentary Group and the T.U.C.G. has made the demand to have Workers Memorial Day officially recognized as a National Day of Commemoration one of its keystone campaigns. We must recognize the role played by the Hazards Organisation and F.A.C.K (Families Against Corporate Killing), for their tenacity in bringing this Campaign to the fore.
The slogan “Remember The Dead, Fight for the Living”, must never be forgotten, it should be used as a constant reminder that lives lost at work should not be in vain, and the protection of workers must be our ultimate goal.'
For the full TUCG statement, click here.
The BFAWU would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have assisted in this successful campaign
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