April 28, 2007
LONDON- Construction workers, families of workers, and those just passionate about fighting for justice and safety in the workplace proudly marched from the Tate Modern to Tower Hill in honour of Workers Memorial Day. This internationally recognised day of remembrance and action pays tribute to workers who are killed, injured or made ill through poor working conditions.
Carrying colourful banners and preaching strong words, the rally and march was successful in raising awareness for this pressing issue.
"e;The lives of people have been totally disregarded,"e; shouted CSC Secretary Tony O"e;Brien though a speakerphone as he led the march. "e;Human rights have been disregarded. We need tougher laws and tougher inspections. We need the support of the public."e;
London was only one of the many cities throughout the UK and internationally that took the time to commemorate those who have suffered through unsafe working conditions. The Construction Safety Campaign was in charge of organizing the London march and assembly.
Many of the people marching have seen first hand the devastating repercussions of unsafe work sites. UCATT convenor Malcolm Davis is one of them.
"e;We had a death on T5 and it could have been avoided,"e; said Davis. "e;I"e;ve seen twelve go in my life and it"e;s very hard to forget."e;
The march ended at "e;The Building Worker"e;, a monument erected in October of 2006 and inscribed "e;for the thousands of building workers who are today building and rebuilding towns and cities across the United Kingdom"e;.
Speeches were then shared by union and campaign leaders to the assembly of marchers and spectators congregated around the monument, concluding with emotional pleas from loved ones of two men who were killed through worksite negligence. Lillian Alexa spoke of her 23 year old son, Michael, who was killed in Battersea when a crane collapsed in 2006.
"e;When this happens to ordinary people, no one pays attention,"e; said Alexa. "e;The death of my son left a hole in my heart and a hole in my family. We want justice."e;
Taking steps forward towards justice, the day"e;s events spread awareness of workplace safety, as many passer-bys took the time to look, listen and learn.
"e;Our campaign is not for compensation, but for prevention,"e; said T&G Assistant General Secretary, Barry Camfield. "e;The trade unions need to stand together to stand up for justice for workers in the industry. April 28th is a day to remember the dead and defend the living."e;
Francoise Snobel- Voltimum
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