Tuesday 28 April marks International Workers’ Memorial Day (#IWMD20) which is commemorated around the world.
The day marks to remember those who have lost their lives at work, or from work-related injury and diseases.
The theme for 2020 is coronavirus. The coronavirus pandemic affects every worker regardless of sector or locality. Tens of thousands of workers worldwide have died. More have fallen ill or continue to go to work risking their lives. Many workers are still attending work ill-equipped and without necessary safety measures in place.
Trade Unions across the UK are asking the country to observe a minute’s silence at 11am on 28 April, to remember all the health, care and other key workers who have already lost their lives to COVID-19.
It will be a moment to pay tribute to the sacrifice made of so many workers during the pandemic, to remember those who've sadly lost their lives, and to thank all those who continue to do vital work at great risk.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon earlier confirmed the Scottish Government will join in the minute’s silence at 11am on Tuesday.
She said: “The silence will provide an opportunity to pay tribute to those who have died as a result of their work to serve, care for and save others, and it will be a further reminder that of all the duties Government bears during a situation like this, the most vital is our obligation to keep care and health workers safe.
“I and the Scottish Government are acutely aware of that responsibility and will work each and every day to do everything we can to fulfil that obligation.”
