The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) has welcomed continuing support from local authorities ahead of International Workers Memorial Day (Monday 28th April) and, in particular the motion on the commemoration in the name of Elaine Smith MSP, Coatbridge and Chyrston that will be debated in the parliament on Thursday May 1.
STUC General Secretary Grahame Smith said
“The STUC has recognised International Workers Memorial Day since 1993 and we welcome the increased support our local Trade Union Council’s are receiving from local authorities on initiatives to mark this commemoration”.
“In the year to 31 March 2007, the latest figures available show that 31 Scottish workers lost their lives at work, 2775 suffered major injuries at work and 9761 spent over 3 days of work following an accident at work.
“We should not forget that the purpose of this day is to remember the dead and the thoughts of the STUC go out to all families who have suffered the loss of a loved one simply because they left home in the morning never to return.
“However, we should remember those who suffer injury and this is why we welcome occupational health being the theme of this year’s day. The STUC believes that occupational health is the forgotten discipline in our health service and consequently there is a disparity of provision workers can access.
“It will only be possible to get those unemployed, often as a result of health conditions including mental health problems, back to work and remain there if adequate occupational health provision and support is in place.
“The STUC also welcomes the efforts of Elaine Smith MSP in securing the debate in the Scottish Parliament and we would urge members of all parties to support this debate and trade unionists to attend the chamber on Thursday May 1”.
ENDS
Notes to Editors Details of events taking place in Scotland Parliamentary Motion
- Details of events taking place in Scotland
Clydebank Saturday 26 April, Clydebank TUC, International Workers Memorial Day Commemoration Clydebank Plaza, Speakers include Ian Tasker, STUC Assistant Secretary 12 noon
Dundee Friday 25 April, City Chambers, Annual Memorial Day lecture on the theme, Equality for All, Creating and Inclusive Scotland will be delivered by Mary Senior, STUC Assistant Secretary. Monday 28th April, Annual Commemoration at Memorial Tree, Riverside Esplanade, behind Discovery Point. Contact; Mike Arnott, 07951 443656 dundeetuc@hotmail.com 12.30pm
1.00pm
Edinburgh Monday, 28 April, West Princes Street Gardens, near to Ross Band Stand, Speakers include Louise Adamson, Families Against Corporate Killers, songs from Protest in Harmony. 12 noon to 1.00pm
Fife Monday 28 April, Memorial Service in Beveridge Park, Kirkcaldy Health and Safety seminar on Health and Safety and the Corporate Manslaughter Bill 11.00am 12noon for 12.30pm to 2.00pm
Glasgow - Monday 28 April, Commemoration in George Square, Speakers Karen Thompson, Families Against Corporate Killers; Cllr Stephen Purcell, Leader, Glasgow City Council; Dave Moxham, STUC Deputy General Secretary, Sarah Jones Scottish Government & PCS member, Frank Maguire, Thompsons Solicitors. 1.00pm
North Lanarkshire Monday 28 April, Unveiling of North Lanarkshire Workers Memorial, Summerlee Heritage Park, Coatbridge. Speakers include Elaine Smith MSP, Dorothy Wright, Families Against Corporate Killers and Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary 12 noon
Mid Lothian Monday 28 April, International Workers Memorial Day Commemoration will take at the commemorative memorial in George V Park, Bonnyrigg, Midlothian. 12.30pm
West Lothian Monday 28 April, Health and Safety Seminar, Bathgate Sports Centre followed by commemoration at the workers memorial. Speakers include current STUC President Fiona Farmer 9.30 am Seminar 12 noon commemoration
- S3M-01710# Elaine Smith (Coatbridge and Chryston) (Scottish Labour): Remember the Dead, Fight for the Living— That the Parliament recognises the importance of International Workers Memorial Day (IWMD) held on 28 April each year; considers that the official slogan “remember the dead, fight for the living” is particularly apposite and helps to ensure that all those who have died as a result of work are not forgotten whilst at the same time encourages renewed efforts to ensure that such tragedies are not repeated; welcomes events around Scotland to commemorate this important day and, in particular, the unveiling of the North Lanarkshire Workers Memorial at Summerlee Heritage Park in Coatbridge; encourages relevant authorities to fly official flags on public buildings at half mast; hopes that all workplaces will observe a one-minute silence at 12 noon on 28 April 2008; commends the STUC and the trade unions for their work in building trade union organisation and campaigning for stricter enforcement with higher penalties for breaches of health and safety laws to help in the struggle for safer workplaces, and supports the call for recognition of IWMD as a national day of remembrance for those who have been killed, injured, or made ill by their work.
Supported by: Patricia Ferguson, John Wilson, Dr Bill Wilson, Dr Elaine Murray, David Stewart, Robin Harper, Des McNulty, Kenneth Gibson, Bill Butler, John Park, Jackie Baillie, Bill Kidd, Mary Mulligan, Jamie Hepburn, Michael McMahon, Christina McKelvie, Rob Gibson, Cathy Jamieson, Marilyn Livingstone, Marlyn Glen, Sandra White, Cathy Peattie, David Whitton, Pauline McNeill, Sarah Boyack, Trish Godman, Gil Paterson, Karen Whitefield, Johann Lamont, Margaret Curran, Helen Eadie, Joe FitzPatrick, Karen Gillon Lodged on Tuesday, April 15, 2008; Current