Observe One Minutes Silence In Your Workplace On The 9th International Workers Memorial Day – Since 1997, the Australian union movement has observed Workers’ Memorial Day on 28 April each year, with commemorative events organised by the state and territory trades and labour councils.

Workers’ Memorial Day commenced in Canada in 1986, as a way of remembering those killed or injured as a result of their work. It was adopted internationally in 1996. The day is marked by ceremonies on or around 28 April each year in countries all around the world.

What can you do on Workers’ Memorial Day?

  • participate in the Workers’ Memorial Day events and activities in your
    state or territory

  • observe one minutes silence at 11 am in your workplace

  • discuss health and safety issues at your workplace

  • elect health and safety representatives for your workplace if you
    don’t have them,

  • ask your employer to fix health safety problems at your workplace –
    employers have a legal duty to provide a safe and healthy workplace

  • if your employer will not fix health and safety problems, you can ask your
    union for assistance or call in a government health and safety inspector

    • Further information:

    View or download a copy of the background paper on 9th International Workers’ Memorial Day – 28 April 2004 below.

    http://www.icftu.org/displaydocument.asp?Index=991219085&Language=EN

    Australian Events: International Workers’ Memorial Day Wednesday 28 April
    2004

    Adelaide – United Trades and Labour Council of SA

    Ceremony, Wednesday 28 April, 2004, 11.00 am at Augusta Zadow’s Grave West Terrace Cemetery, Adelaide. Augusta Zadow was the first factory inspector in SA and it links with the UTLC’s 120 years of united union action. Industrial manslaughter will be the focus. Nick Xenaphon, Independent in the SA Upper House, who has a private members’ bill will be speaking.

    Also on the day, a public fund will be launched to raise money for a workers’ memorial in the city of Adelaide, to commemorate those workers who have died at work as well as recognising the contribution of workers to the state of SA.

    Contact: Jack Cook, UTLC SA – (08) 8212 3155

    Melbourne Victorian Trades Hall Council

    OHS Reps are invited to the Memorial Event at ‘the Rock’, at VTHC from 10:30. One minute’s silence at 11:00am, followed by morning tea at ‘Horti Hall’ from 11:15-12:00. OHS Act Review, with Chris Maxwell, QC, author of the Review, at VTHC Council Chambers from 12:00-1:30pm. See: http://www.ohsrep.org.au/

    Contact: Margot Hoyte: 0413 482 973

    Perth Unions WA

    Memorial ceremony on 28th April, at Solidarity Park – for all unions centred on the theme of industrial manslaughter, promoting the passage of the Bill through the Parliament with the Greens, Labor and Independents. Everyone is invited.

    Contact: Stephanie Mayman 0418 958 643

    Sydney NSW Labor Council

    11.15 am, 28 April, Darling Harbour (Little Pier Street Park) – unveiling of permanent workers’ memorial sculpture. Secretary of the NSW Labour Council, John Robertson, will be speaking about industrial manslaughter.

    Contact Mary Yaager 0408 931 899

    Brisbane Queensland Council of Unions

    Remembrance Service at St Mary’s Community Church, South Brisbane at 12.00 noon on 28 April. Speaker will be QCU Secretary, Grace Grace. QCU are also conducting a petition calling for the introduction of industrial manslaughter legislation. For details, see http://www.qcu.asn.au/6019.html

    Contact: Pamela Grassick 07 3846 2411

    Canberra Unions ACT

    A commemoration ceremony in recognition of the workers who have died been injured or fallen ill as a result of work will take place at: The Abbey Function Centre, Federation Square, on Wednesday April 28th, commencing at 10.45am.

    Contact Belinda Napier or Peter Malone – ph 02 6247 7844