Every year on April 28th, trades union movements around the world celebrate International Workers Memorial Day, to commemorate those who have died simply because they were doing their jobs. This year, the event is particularly meaningful in light of the coronavirus pandemic. This year, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) are organising a one minute silence at 11am on Tuesday, and Councillor Claire Douglas, Labour’s spokesperson for the economy and jobs, is urging everyone in York to take part.

“This year’s event will be especially poignant in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic and the impact it has had on workers across the globe,” she said. “In the UK, we’re regularly hearing of stories of clinical, care and public transport staff who’ve died in the course of their work, occasionally in the harrowing circumstances where they’ve left young children behind.

“Thursday evenings have highlighted the nation’s appreciation for the work our health and care staff are doing to minimise loss of life, and this Tuesday provides an opportunity to remember those who we’ve sadly lost to coronavirus whilst doing their best for people up and down the country”.

The IWMD event is recognised by the UK Government, and those people who are able to are being invited to stop this Tuesday at 11am for a minute’s silence, as with Remembrance Day, to remember workers across the world who’ve lost their lives in differing circumstances.

The TUC works with employers to improve health and safety standards at work, and campaigns to prevent loss of life at work in the workplace.