Apr 27 - Workers’ Memorial Day – Message From Unite The Union
The following is a speech delivered by Unite’s Christian Duo at a ceremony to mark Workers’ Memorial Day held this morning at the Alameda Gardens:
The 28th April is International Workers’ Memorial Day the day each year when workers come together and remember those who have been killed and injured at work. The slogan for the day is “remember the dead – fight for the living”.
Sadly, it is all too likely that you know someone who has died at work, has been injured in the workplace or is suffering from occupational diseases.
This year Unite is highlighting the message that an organised workplace is a safe workplace, while also recognising the vital work of Unite safety reps in ensuring that their fellow workers are safe at work.
It has been found that workplaces that have union safety reps and a safety committee have half the major injury rate of workplaces that don’t have these structures.
Today, a year ago HM Government of Gibraltar committed to continue to improve Health and Safety standards and practices at the workplace. Government pledged to achieve the highest possible standards and announced the introduction of a Health and Safety Policy for government staff and workplaces. This policy would set best industry guidelines. The Government of Gibraltar intended to introduce the policy as codes of practice for all of Gibraltar after full consultation with the industry.
The Policy’s key objective is to explain the roles of Union and Non- Union Health and Safety Representatives. It also saw the introduction of the Health and Safety Advisory Council. This council was to develop and review safe systems of work and safety procedures.
Under last year’s slogan “strong laws, strong enforcement, strong union” Unite proudly announced the introduction of Health and Safety Policy Part A- A Manager’s guide, enforcing the management of Health and Safety at work representatives 1996.
A year has lapsed and all our achievements and hard work has not borne fruit.
This year 2017 theme for Worker’s Memorial Day is “Good Health and Safety for all workers whoever they are”.
For the benefit of Good Health and Safety of all workers in Gibraltar, our plea to Government today is to continue working with Unite from where we left it in 2016 – with the same enthusiasm and determination together we can make Gibraltar safer.
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