International Workers' Memorial Day 2024
The message of International Workers’ Memorial Day is to remember the dead and fight for the living.
The TUC’s International Workers’ Memorial Day (IWMD) website page has plenty of resources and information.
- There is a list of local events and commemorations.
Ireland
In Ireland in the 10-year period between 2014 and 2023, 459 people died in work-related incidents and many thousands more were severely injured or made ill. In 2023 alone, 43 people died.
Owen Reidy, general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Conor O’Brien CEO of the Health & Safety Authority and Minister Neale Richmond TD will lay a wreath on behalf of the State to remember those lost workers on Monday 29 April, gather from 9.20 at the Garden of Remembrance, Parnell Square, Dublin 1 for the event from 9.30-10.30.
Wales
Last year in Wales, fifteen people sustained fatal injuries at work. This year the International Labour Organisation will be linking its commemoration to the increased risk faced by workers as a result of climate change. In 2022, Wales was exposed to severe heatwaves in June, July and August, which saw a rise in grass and forest fires. In February 2020, Storm Dennis hit south Wales, with the region’s fire service taking 1,400 calls in twelve hours.
Wales TUC has established a health, safety and workplace regulation committee which raises issues of national importance with the Welsh government and regulators. Current hot topics include sexual harassment and concerns about safety at workplaces where large amounts of hazardous materials are stored. If you’re interested in contributing the committee’s work then contact Ceri Williams at [email protected]