THE Unison Union is requesting workers stop what they are doing and people at home come out on to the streets at the front of their houses ensuring social distancing for one minute to show their respect tomorrow, Tuesday (April 28) at 11am.
Jason Horan, Joint Branch Secretary, of UNISON Warrington LG Branch, says International Workers Memorial Day will give a chance to remember the workers who have died because of COVID-19, many of whom are UNISON members, family and friends, people in our communities and those their members care for.
“In the year of coronavirus, this day of commemoration has never been more important. And that is why UNISON is asking the country to observe a minute’s silence, to remember all the health, care and other key workers who have already lost their lives to COVID-19.
“The campaign for a minute’s silence at 11am next Tuesday was launched last week by UNISON, the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Midwives, which collectively represent more than a million NHS and public service workers, including porters, refuse collectors and care staff.
“This would be the ultimate tribute to remember workers who’ve lost their lives and put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe and vital services running.
“Thousands of workers across the UK are caring for those suffering from COVID-19 or delivering vital public services that are vital for us all – potentially putting their own safety and even their own lives at risk. In many cases, these workers know that, by simply doing their jobs, they are putting themselves at risk. The risks faced by those working in the health and social care sectors has already been acknowledged, but there are also others – those working in childcare, police services and refuse collection, in hostels and rescue centres, and in transport services among them – whose work and dedication often goes unacknowledged.
“Tragically, some of these workers have already died. In some cases, more could have been done to protect them, whether by better enforcement of social distancing, looking after workers with underlying health conditions or provision of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep them safe. While improvements have been seen in some areas, more needs to be done – specifically in relation to assessing the risks our members are facing and ensuring that all staff who require it are getting the protective equipment needed to do the job safely.
“All of this adds to the importance of observing a minutes’ silence.”
