Remember the dead: fight for the living

The purpose behind Workers' Memorial Day has always been to "remember the dead: fight for the living" with the trade union movement leading the campaign for higher penalties for breaches of health and safety laws.

The theme for this year is good health and safety for all workers whoever they are, with specific focus on the new gig economy; the risks faced by migrant workers; and the issues of gender and class.

The trade union movement has a leading role in narrowing the inequalities gap in occupational health, and we must lead the way to reduce inequalities in occupational health against the rising tide of the destructive Tory red tape narrative.

Below is a list of events in the North West on Friday 28 April:

Manchester – Lincoln Square, Brazennose Street, Manchester, M2 5AS at 12.00 to 13.00 – then on to the People’s History Museum for tea (see the excellent exhibition by the Hazards Campaign). Chaired by Lynn Collins, Secretary of the North West regional TUC.  Speakers include Andy Burnham and representatives from trade unions and FACK (Families Against Corporate Killers). Full Programme

Chorley – begins with a short walk from Astley Park (the park gates) Park Road , Chorley, PR7 1NP at 5:45 pm – then on to a Memorial Day service at the Unite WMD tree at 6pm until 6:20pm. All welcome to join. Banners and flags welcome.

Liverpool - South Piazza, Georges Dock Building, Pier Head, L3 1DD, (Dock Road bottom of James Street), 11.30-11.50 – wreath laying then and piper then coach to Unite Union Building, Islington, Liverpool L3 8EF from 1.00-2.30PM.

Preston – Sat 29 April, 11.45-12.45 at Preston Flag Market, 4 Cheapside, Preston, PR1 – social gathering in the Black Horse afterwards.

Blackburn - 12.30pm at the Workers' Memorial Tree, Sudell Cross, Blackburn, BB2 1AN with a wreath laying, speakers and a piper. 

Merseyside - 10.30-11.30 at HSE Headquarters, Redgrave Court, Bootle, Merseyside, L20 7HS.