TSSA calls for safer and healthier workplaces for all

TSSA remembers those who have lost their lives at work and to the coronavirus pandemic, calling for "safer and more healthy workplaces for all" on International Workers Memorial Day.

International Workers Memorial Day (IWMD), 28 April, is a day when across the trade union movement we remember the dead and fight for the living. TSSA is calling on members to observe a minutes silence at 12noon, and the union is backing calls for an inquiry into the coronavirus pandemic.

Manuel Cortes, TSSA General Secretary, said: 

"I urge everyone to take a moment today to remember those who have lost their lives to coronavirus and to other workplace hazards. We remember in particular our member Belly Mujinga, who died from coronavirus last April, and Network Rail worker Tyler Byrne who died working on tracks near Surbiton this February.

“All workers should be safe in their workplaces and return to their family, friends and home unharmed at the end of their working day. We will never stop working for safer and more healthy workplaces for all.

“Health and safety is a fundamental human right. This government must put the lives and wellbeing of people first and swiftly launch an investigation into the handling of the coronavirus pandemic which has seen the UK suffer one of the highest death tolls.”

Minute's silence

The TUC is leading a minute's silence at 11:55, with some trade union leaders attending the Covid Memorial Wall to mark the occasion. TSSA backs the calls of the TUC and others for the Prime Minister to set a date for the public inquiry into the government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Belly Mujinga was a member of station staff at Victoria station, London. She contracted coronavirus in March 2020, passing away on 5 April 2020. Tyler Byrne was a 30 year old Network Rail worker who died on 9 February 2021 after being struck by a train near Surbiton, SW London.

More information is available on the TUC website.