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How you can take part…

Here are a few ideas for you to get started.

Attend a local #IWMD event

Trade unions and organisations are putting on #IWMD events across the country.

Find one near you or if you're organising one add it to our list.

Hold a one minute silence

Join union activists across the country by taking part in a one minute silence at 12.00 to remember all those who have died because of their work.


Say their names

You may wish to read out the names of people who died this year in your industry, or reference some of them at a vigil or meeting.

The details of reported deaths from fatal injuries at work is available from the Health and Safety Executive (bear in mind not all occupations are covered by HSE)

Spread the word

Use the hashtag #IWMD on social media channels to help spread the word about the day and why you’re getting involved.


 

Share these graphics

Help publicise Workers Memorial Day where you work by printing off our poster and displaying it on a notice board, in the toilets, or wherever it will be seen.

This campaign pack includes a selection of images to use on social media, and posters for you to print at home or print professionally. 

Download your sharable graphics and posters

Organise an online campaign

Think of digital tools you can use to call for stronger health and safety protections.

Whether it a current call for urgent PPE, or a longer term demand for union recognition  - you can make use of the TUC’s Megaphone tool to create a petition about the issues where you work, or email and call elected officials to demand that workers' safety is prioritised over corporate interests.

Video call image

Host a video call or webinar

Where you might have ordinarily held a rally to mark IWMD, it could be done online, with union members having the opportunity to hear speeches.

You could ask injured workers and family members who can talk first-hand about the need for strong health and safety protections, the important of campaigning and of strong and active unions. Consider inviting elected officials and community leaders to participate in the call.

To spread the word, upload your event details on our interactive map.

Video

Share videos or make your own video

Use your online meeting as an opportunity to share a video about the history or importance of workers’ memorial day, with this video from the TUC or this one from Hazards.

Or why not make your own video about what Workers Memorial Day means to you and your members?

Hard hats stunt

Events and stunts

If you are working on the front lines during the outbreak, organise an event at your workplace to promote the issues of workers' right to a safe job and hold your employer accountable for keeping you safe. It could be a socially distanced stunt, a minute’s silence or a lunch time letter writing exercise.

Reach out to the press to increase public awareness of the dangers working people face on the job. If you're running an event please upload the details on our interactive map


Become a rep, recruit a rep

Every day, trade union health and safety reps in workplaces save lives and prevent illness and injury.
Does your workplace have a health & safety rep? If not, contact your union about becoming one. If it does, why not train up more reps? Contact trade unionists you know who'd make great safety reps and encourage them to take on the role.

Read our guide on being a health and safety rep here.

Support for the bereaved

Trade unions have been crucial in securing bereavement and compassionate leave in workplaces. As we come together to remember those who have lost their lives, as union activists we can also reach out to support those experiencing grief.

There may be practical steps unions can take to remember colleagues, like a book of condolences or setting up an online memorial page. Some branches have established online fundraisers for a charity close to the heart of a colleague, or to raise money for the family to cover the cost of a funeral.

Experiencing a bereavement in isolation will be particularly tough. A minute silence or vigil could allow colleagues the opportunity to come together to remember collectively. Union branches may also wish to send a card, flowers or other tokens to the family.

TUC's guide to what unions can do to support COVID-bereaved members

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