Workers Memorial Day in Bristol

| May 02, 2013 | Comments 0

Canon Tim Higgins addresses the gathering at Workers Memorial Day, at Bristol Cathedral. (Photo © Simon Chapman)

Canon Tim Higgins addresses the gathering at Workers Memorial Day, at Bristol Cathedral. (Photo © Simon Chapman)

Workers Memorial Day was on Sunday 28 April.  There was a gathering for all faiths and none at the Cathedral, College Green from 1pm to 2pm, and then a wreath laying at the Workers’ Memorial Plaque in Castle Park at 2.30pm.

Speakers included the NUJ’s General Secretary Michelle Stanistreet.  Journalists are among those workers killed and injured as a result of their occupation, particularly in conflict zones.  BBC Bristol’s Sally Challoner  interviewed relatives of those killed through work.
There were other speakers from the South West TUC, Public Health England, the Blacklist Support Group, Labour behind the Label, and Bristol Multi-Faith Forum, and there were also several performances by the Red Notes Choir.
The international Labour office estimates over 2 million people die of work-related accidents and disease every year, with at least 20,000 dying in the UK per annum as a result of their work.  The building trade, agriculture, and industry are among many sectors with dangers for workers, but even office based work can affect one’s health.

Yet despite these figures health and safety regulations are under attack from Government legislation.  Having union health and safety reps leads to a 50% reduction in serious injuries.

Nigel Costley, South West TUC Regional Secretary, addresses the gathering at Workers Memorial Day at Bristol Cathedral. (Photo © Simon Chapman)

Nigel Costley, South West TUC Regional Secretary, addresses the gathering at Workers Memorial Day at Bristol Cathedral. (Photo © Simon Chapman)

Anna McMullen from Labour behind the Label, addresses the gathering at Workers Memorial Day at Bristol Cathedral. (Photo © Simon Chapman)

Anna McMullen from Labour behind the Label, addresses the gathering at Workers Memorial Day at Bristol Cathedral. (Photo © Simon Chapman)

Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ General Secretary, addresses the gathering at Workers Memorial Day, at Bristol Cathedral. (Photo © Simon Chapman)

Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ General Secretary, addresses the gathering at Workers Memorial Day, at Bristol Cathedral. (Photo © Simon Chapman)

The Red Notes Choir from Bristol sing at Workers Memorial Day, at Bristol Cathedral. (Photo © Simon Chapman)

The Red Notes Choir from Bristol sing at Workers Memorial Day, at Bristol Cathedral. (Photo © Simon Chapman)

Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ General Secretary, addresses the gathering at Workers Memorial Day, at Bristol Cathedral. (Photo © Simon Chapman)

Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ General Secretary, addresses the gathering at Workers Memorial Day, at Bristol Cathedral. (Photo © Simon Chapman)

Professor Julia Verne, Director for Knowledge and Intelligence (South West) Public Health Engand, addresses the gathering at Workers Memorial Day, at Bristol Cathedral. (Photo © Simon Chapman)

Professor Julia Verne, Director for Knowledge and Intelligence (South West) Public Health Engand, addresses the gathering at Workers Memorial Day, at Bristol Cathedral. (Photo © Simon Chapman)

David Moscrop whose father died of mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos at work, talks to Sally Challoner from BBC Bristol. (Photo © Simon Chapman)

David Moscrop whose father died of mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos at work, talks to Sally Challoner from BBC Bristol. (Photo © Simon Chapman)

Dave Smith, from the Blacklist Support Group, addresses the gathering at Workers Memorial Day, at Bristol Cathedral. (Photo © Simon Chapman)

Dave Smith, from the Blacklist Support Group, addresses the gathering at Workers Memorial Day, at Bristol Cathedral. (Photo © Simon Chapman)

Workers Memorial Day at the Workers Memorial Plaque in Castle Park, Bristol.

Workers Memorial Day at the Workers Memorial Plaque in Castle Park, Bristol.

Workers Memorial Day at the Workers Memorial Plaque in Castle Park, Bristol. (Photo © Simon Chapman)

Workers Memorial Day at the Workers Memorial Plaque in Castle Park, Bristol. (Photo © Simon Chapman)

Workers Memorial Day at the Workers Memorial Plaque in Castle Park, Bristol. (Photo © Simon Chapman)

Workers Memorial Day at the Workers Memorial Plaque in Castle Park, Bristol. (Photo © Simon Chapman)

©SIMON CHAPMAN 2013; 28/04/2013. Bristol, UK. The Bristol Trades Union Council banner at Workers Memorial Day, Bristol Cathedral (Photo © Simon Chapman)

©SIMON CHAPMAN 2013; 28/04/2013. Bristol, UK. The Bristol Trades Union Council banner at Workers Memorial Day, Bristol Cathedral (Photo © Simon Chapman)

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