International Workers' Memorial Day

Every year more people are killed at work than in wars. Most don't die of mystery ailments, or in tragic 'accidents'. They die because an employer decided their safety just wasn't that important a priority.

International Workers' Memorial Day (IWMD) commemorates those workers.

Minute's silence

At 12 noon on Friday 28 April, join us in taking part in the minute's silence.

Spread the word by posting this tweet, sharing this Facebook status or asking your contacts on WhatsApp to join you in taking part in the silence.

It will be a moment to pay tribute to the sacrifice made of so many workers during the pandemic, to remember those who've sadly lost their lives because of their work, and to thank all those who continue to do vital work at great risk.

The initiative is supported by the government, and reps may wish to request employers mark it, by asking the workforce to cease work for one minute at 12noon.

Help spread the word about the minute's silence, by encouraging as many friends and colleagues to take part, whether in their workplace of at home.

Use the hashtag #IWMD23 on social media channels to help spread the word about the day and why you're getting involved.

Find out more on the TUC website.

Theme for 2023: Global: Organising for health and safety - a crucial part of union action

On 28 April, International Workers Memorial Day, we remember all those who have died because of their work and continue to fight against work-related stress and unrelenting workloads

#IWMD23

Work-related stress makes people sick, it drives people out of work and sadly some people will die because of it.

We call on employers to:

• work with UCU to identify, assess and control the risks of work-related stress
• record and investigate all work-related stress incidents
• continually review and control work-related stress.

We call on UCU members to elect workload safety reps and support them to:

• identify the hazards of work-related stress
• map out the areas where stress is an issue
• work with management to introduce, continually review and improve the controls.

We call on the HSE to:

• support safety reps to carry out their duties and
• ensure employers carry out their legal duties
• investigate and act on all cases of work related suicide.

If any member or existing rep wants to be a workload rep. please see our workload campaign information for details of the campaign and register for workload training.

Employers have a legal duty to ensure workers do not suffer from physical or mental ill-health because of work.

All UCU members must have the right, to go to work and not be made ill by it.

On #IWMD23 we remember the dead and fight for the living!

Resources and updates will be posted on the dedicated 28 April webpages: www.28april.org