Shopworkers commemorate Workers’ Memorial Day

Today, shopworkers commemorated International Workers’ Memorial Day at Usdaw’s annual conference, with a two minute silence in memory of victims of accidents at work and occupational disease. The Union used the day to renew its commitment to campaigning for better working conditions.

Delegates were told that there are over two million workplace deaths in the world each year – three times as many as are killed in wars (650,000). In the UK alone, over 300 workers are killed in accidents every year and tens of thousands die from occupational illnesses such as cancer and lung disease.

Official figures say that over 4,000 people died last year from cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Estimates for other occupational cancer deaths vary from 2,000 to 12,000. A further 4,000 people died from chronic lung diseases caused by exposure to fumes and dust at work. In addition, the HSE says that over two million people suffered from some form of work-related illness in the last year. Most of these are stress-related illnesses or musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain or RSI.*

John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary, commented:

“The strapline – Remember the Dead: Fight for the Living – says it all. Today, we not only remember those who have died, but renew our commitment to campaign and work with employers to tackle the travesty of preventable deaths and illnesses among our members and workers in the UK.”

Usdaw’s theme for this year’s International Workers’ Memorial Day is Health and Safety at Work. The Union has supported the day since 1995.

Usdaw’s ADM is being held at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens from 27 to 30 April 2008, attended by approximately 1,500 representatives of Usdaw’s 359,000 members. Usdaw is the fourth largest union in the UK and represents shopworkers, factory and warehouse workers, drivers, clerical workers, insurance workers, butchers, slaughterhouse workers, meat packers, milk round and dairy process workers.

Notes to Editors:

• Contacts for newsdesks: Usdaw’s Media Officer, Cherry Hamilton, can be contacted on 0161 249 2469 or e-mail cherry.hamilton@usdaw.org.uk
• Usdaw (the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK’s fourth biggest trade union, with over 358,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.
• More information and news releases are available at our online Newsroom.
• Subscribe/unsubscribe to Usdaw news releases via our online e-news service.

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© 2003 (USDAW) Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers
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