“Mourn the dead: Fight like hell for the living.”

Four Vintage Reds attended the 28 April 2021 International Day of Mourning ceremony at 9 a.m. at the National Workers Memorial in King’s Park near the Carillon.

The gathering of around one hundred included members of the CFMEU, CPSU and the ETU. 178 white crosses were laid out below the Memorial to commemorate the 178 workers killed in the course of their work across the nation in the past year. Mick Gentleman read his speech from his smart phone. Most of the speeches mentioned friends or family who had not returned home from work due to a workplace fatality. The theme this year was “Mourn the dead: Fight like hell for the living”.

The ceremony concluded with a minute’s silence.

Rob P.

Photo: Rob P & Glenda J

International Workers’ Memorial Day was observed on 28 April 2017 at the National Workers Memorial by the lake.

Three to four people died at work every week across Australia in 2016. Most of these tragic deaths were preventable.

ACT Work Safety Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith and CFMEU National Secretary Michael O’Connor were among those who spoke at the commemoration.

“Mourn the dead. Fight like hell for the living.”

International Workers’ Memorial Day is on the 28th April, when unions pause to remember workers who have been killed, injured or made sick on the job, and to reaffirm our commitment to fight for the safety at work of all working people.

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