Workers' Memorial Day Thursday 28 April 2016
Remember the dead, fight for the living

Aberdeen remembers - Workers' Memorial day 2016

Aberdeen remembered all those who have lost their lives, been injured or made ill at their work at a moving and well attended Workers’ Memorial Day service on 28th April.

Opening the ceremony at the Persley Walled Garden in Aberdeen, Kate Ramsden, Branch Chair, and President of Aberdeen Trades Union Council, extended a particular welcome and deepest condolences to the family and work colleagues of Ian Walker, the worker who lost his life in the construction of the third Don Crossing.

Kate said, “This will be a very poignant service as we mourn the deaths of three workers, including Ian, killed at their work in a three week period in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire earlier this year.

“In coming together today we mourn all those, like Ian, who have lost their lives doing their job.

 “But we also make a pledge to continue our fight for robust health and safety procedures, inspection and legislation to make sure no more workers are killed at their work and no other families have to grieve the loss of their loved ones.”

Kate also thanked Aberdeenshire Council for their messages of support.

Kate said, "Although the elected members are unable to attend, the Provost opened their Full Council today with a statement about Workers' Memorial Day and a period of reflection."

Click here to read a full account of the ceremony on the ATUC blog.

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This year's Workers Memorial Day Service, will be held at 1pm (gather from 12.30pm) at Persley Walled Garden, Persley, Aberdeen. All are welcome to attend.

For more information go to the ATUC blog.

What is Workers Memorial Day?

International Workers Memorial Day (IWMD) takes place all over the world on 28 April each year.

The purpose of IWMD is two-fold. Firstly it is about not forgetting those who have died, been injured, or made ill by their work. Secondly it is about ensuring that tragic loss and suffering are used to reinvigorate the campaign for healthier and safer work.

The campaign slogan is "Remember the dead, fight for the living."

The number of people killed at work in Scotland has been rising in recent years, according to official figures. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said 20 workers lost their lives north of the border in 2014-15. Recently three workers have lost their lives in work related accidents in the local area so this will be a particularly poignant service.

In this time of austerity, it is ever more important to protect our Health and Safety legislation, which is constantly under attack.

The Service will last for approx 30mins.

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