International Workers' Day Marked in Orkney

Today (28 April) is International Workers' Memorial Day.

Held on 28 April every year, International Workers' Memorial Day sees the trade union movement remember all workers who lost their lives to workplace illness or injury, highlighting their commitment to fighting to keep workers safe.

With the Saltire flag flying at half mast above the Council offices, representatives from trade unions and Orkney Islands Council, gathered to plant a commemorative tree

Oliver Reid, Chief Executive of Orkney Islands Council said: "As a Council, we are proud to work alongside our trade union representatives to form a powerful collective force for good in the workplace and to do all that we can to ensure our employees are safe at their work.

"Across the public sector there is incredible dedication and resilience shown by the men and women in our workforce, working in our communities and often providing services that aim to keep people in our communities healthy, safe and well. In return, employers and those in leadership positions must take their duty of care seriously and we strive to do that at Orkney Islands Council across all our services.”

Council Convener, Graham Bevan, who made a short speech at the ceremony said: “International Workers' Memorial Day commemorates those workers killed at work.

“Today's gathering has allowed us to collectively pay tribute to the sacrifice made by workers across the world, to remember those who've sadly lost their lives because of their work, and to thank all those who continue to do vital work at great risk.”

Also speaking at the event were Unite's Regional Officer Shauna Wright and the Reverend Dr Marjory Maclean.

Danny Oliver, Mark Vincent and Sheona Macgregor - collectively speaking on behalf of the Unison, GMB and Unite unions - said: “Every year, on April 28, International Workers Memorial Day is commemorated to pay homage to workers around the world who have been injured, disabled or lost their lives while doing their job.

“The main reason this day is, and has been, marked since 1989 is to raise public awareness of the danger some ordinary workers face daily - just by turning up at work.

“The recognised Trade Unions, who work alongside the Corporate Leadership Team, wish to thank all those who came together to mark the day.”