Tuesday 28 April is International Workers’ Memorial Day, when we remember all those who have died because of their work – and renew our pledge to fight for the living.
In the year of covid-19 the day has never been more important, and that is why UNISON is asking the country to observe a minutes silence to remember all the health, care and other key workers who have already lost their lives to the virus.
The campaign for a minutes silence is due to be supported by some of the Region’s major Health and Social Care employers. UNISON Regional Head of Health, Tony Pearson welcomed the commitment to pay respect to the workers, shown by institutions such as Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Wakefield and Kirklees Councils and Bradford Royal infirmary. Tony said that it was “fitting that employers across the Region stand shoulder to shoulder with their staff and other key workers on the front line of the struggle to contain the virus“ —- “it seems likely that other large health and social care employers such as Sheffield Teaching Hospitals will do the same”.
UNISON General Secretary, Dave Prentis said it would be “the ultimate tribute to remember workers who’ve lost their lives and put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe and vital services running”.
The risks faced by those working in health and social care have already been acknowledged but UNISON asserts that there are also others, those working in child care, police services and refuse collection, in hostels and rescue centres, in gas, water and electricity and in transport services, among them, whose work has gone under the radar. Tony Pearson said “by observing the silence Yorkshire and Humberside will not only be honouring the tragic deaths of health and social care workers but also giving a clear message of solidarity to those unsung heroes risking their lives to provide vital services”.
-ENDS-
For more information contact:
Tony Pearson (m) 07801 578 985
Peter Carroll (m) 07785 620 422