Join us at International Workers' Memorial Day and "remember the dead, fight for the living"

Representatives from the affiliated Trade Union branches of Aberdeen Trades Union Council, Action on Asbestos, Thompsons Solicitors and Aberdeen City Council will commemorate International Workers Memorial Day (IWMD) on separate events on Friday 26th and Sunday 28th April at the locations listed below.

The International Workers’ Memorial Day theme is to "remember the dead, fight for the living."

Kathleen Kennedy, Vice-President of ATUC said, "On International Workers Memorial Day we pay our respects and remember all those who have lost their lives through a workplace accident or an industrial related disease.

"Whilst we will always remember the dead, we reiterate our fundamental right and duty to fight for the living by ensuring that all workplaces are safe and healthier to work in."

IWMD Aberdeen Events

Friday 26 April 2024

Duthie Park
Aberdeen City Council Lord Provost, Council Officers & Trade Union Representatives will lower the City Council’s flag to half mast and lay a wreath at the Mound in Duthie Park, Polmuir Road, Aberdeen AB11 7TH at 10.30am until 11.30am.

The Chapel, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Friday 26 April

Gather at 11.45 for a memorial led by the NHS Grampian Chaplaincy Team and by the Employee Director, Steven Lindsay, who will talk about this year’s theme “The impact of climate change on occupational health and safety” and the climate risk for workers. There will be time for personal reflection and a symbolic act of remembrance before coming to a close at 12.15.

Johnston Gardens

Action on Asbestos charity along with the victims of asbestos support group  and their families and the Trade Unions will lay wreaths in Johnston Gardens, Viewfield Road, Aberdeen AB15 7XE at 12 noon until 12.30pm

Sunday 28 April 2024 
 
Persley Walled Garden  
ATUC and various trade union branches will lay wreaths at the Workers' Memorial granite obelisk in the Persley Walled Garden at 1pm to 1.30pm                                                                                              These are public events so everyone is very welcome to attend.

What is International Workers' Memorial Day?
International Workers Memorial Day (IWMD) takes place all over the world on 28th April each year. Its purpose 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 this tragic loss and suffering are used to reinvigorate the campaign for healthier and safer work. 

Kathleen added: "Sadly the numbers of workers dying at their work or being injured or made ill are still far too high.

"No one should go to their work and not come home. At our annual service we remember all those who did not come home and we renew our pledge to fight for more robust health and safety regulation and inspection to protect the living."