#IWMD20: Workers' Memorial Day, Tuesday 28 April
Join the NUJ and trade union world in supporting Tuesday's day of commemoration of those killed during work, with a special focus on frontline Covid-19 workers
This year the TUC and ITUC are asking workers and their representatives to mark Workers' Memorial Day, which commemorates those who have lost their lives during work, with a minute's silence at 11.00 on Tuesday 28 April.
The day will focus on all those thousands of frontline workers around the world who have died from coronavirus. Tweet your support and solidarity using #IWMD20.
Many workers are attending work ill-equipped and without necessary safety measures in place. We could not have a starker reminder of the important role of trade union health and safety reps in saving and protecting workers' lives, than the current crisis we are living through.
John Toner said, on behalf of the NUJ's health and safety committee:
"The Covid-19 pandemic has brought home to everyone who the real key workers. Not the bankers in the City; but hospital staff, carers, retail workers, refuse collectors, first responders and all those who continue to do their jobs while facing the risk of contracting the virus.
"In this crisis, accurate information is essential – and that is why journalists are included in the risk of key workers. While it might not be so obvious, journalists are also risking their health to make sure we know what is happening in the world. And so, on this day, the NUJ stands with all those who continue to work through the crisis for the benefit of all of us."
The TUC Education team will be hosting a video call at 14.00:
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The TUC website has more ideas and resources to help your branch commemorate the day.
In the Republic of Ireland, President Michael D Higgins will lead the public commemoration for Workers Memorial Day. On Tuesday morning, the ceremony recorded at Áras an Uachtaráin will be available on the ICTU website with a message from Congress general secretary Patricia King.
At 21.00 on Tuesday night, Congress invites workers and their families to join in the "We Remember Them All" using the has tag #IWMD20. Light a candle in your home or garden and post on social media. The theme of this year's event is to celebrate the contribution of frontline workers at this time of crisis.
Séamus Dooley, assistant general secretary said:
"For NUJ members in Ireland this is a significant day, coming as it does so close to the first anniversary of the killing of Lyra McKee. We remember Lyra, Martin O'Hagan and our colleague Veronica Guerin, but we also remember all those journalists throughout the world whose lives have been lost in the line of duty.
"In the current crisis the value of journalism has been brought into sharp focus. It is a important to recognise the contribution made by reporters, photographers, videographers, press and information officers and all who help keep the public informed. Through the work of our members the public has a renewed appreciation of the role of frontline workers."