Hartlepool to remember workers who have lost their lives

The Hartlepool Trades Union Council has organised a moving service with wreath laying on International Workers Memorial Day for a number of years.

This year’s event falls on Tuesday, April 28. Unfortunately, the planned service in Hartlepool cannot take place because of the current lockdown and social distancing rules in place.

But trade unions in Hartlepool are urging people to remember fallen colleagues, including those who have died around the world in the fight against the coronavirus, on the day.

The annual event traditionally commemorates those who have been either killed or injured in workplace accidents and aims to raise awareness among employers of the importance of effective health and safety procedures.

Edwin Jeffries, President of Hartlepool Trades Union Council, said: “Due to the current movement restrictions, we are not able to hold our traditional commemoration service or wreath-laying ceremony this year.

“However, we very much hope people will remember fallen colleagues in their own way at home on Tuesday, including observing a minute’s silence and – provided that their home circumstances make it safe to do so – lighting a candle.

“This year we also remember the key workers in the UK and across the world who have given their lives helping others in the current pandemic.

“We also pay tribute to all the workers and volunteers around the world who continue to care for, help and support others at this incredibly difficult time - everything possible must be done to ensure that they are properly protected as they go about their vital work.

“We salute their courage and devotion.”

More than 100 health and care workers are said to have died of coronavirus.

The slogan of each Workers’ Memorial Day is Remember the Dead and Fight for the Living.

Last year’s service at Christchurch in Hartlepool was attended by the family of Jason Burden from South Shields who died aged 19 in an industrial accident in Sunderland in 2011, and TUC general Secretary Frances O'Grady.

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