Workers Memorial Day commemoration at Rochdale Memorial Gardens

The Mayor lays a wreath for Workers' Memorial Day

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Mayor Ian Duckworth laid a wreath at a commemoration held at Rochdale Memorial Gardens on Friday (27 April).

Two minutes of silence was held to remember those who have died due to work-related illness or injuries.

A representative from Unison spoke, saying: “This event is marked around the world to remember the dead and fight for the living.

“We remember those people who have been killed, made ill or injured by their own or someone else’s work. Their pain and suffering and that of their families deserves not to be forgotten.

“We also renew our commitment to and demand once more safe and healthy work for all; far too many workers and their families suffer each year. The figures from the Health and Safety Executive never tell the full story.

“In Great Britain every year over 1,000 people are killed including deaths to members of the public, work-related suicide and road traffic accidents whilst driving for work. On top of this, it is estimated that there are up to 50,000 deaths from work related illness including cancers, respiratory illness and heart disease.”

Workers' Memorial Day is held on 28 April every year. All over the world, workers and their representatives conduct events, demonstrations, vigils and a whole host of other activities to mark the day.

Every year more people are killed at work than in wars. Workers’ Memorial Day commemorates those workers.

The day is also intended to serve as a rallying cry to 'remember the dead but fight for the living'.

This year, the theme of Workers' Memorial Day is ‘unionised workplaces are safer workplaces’.