28th APRIL 2009 INTERNATIONAL WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY: REMEMBER THE DEAD - BUT FIGHT FOR THE LIVING !

28th APRIL 2009


INTERNATIONAL WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY: REMEMBER THE DEAD - BUT FIGHT FOR THE LIVING !


Gather 10.30 am at the statue of the unknown building worker at Tower Hill next to the Tower of London, Tower Bridge. Rally with speakers.


March from Tower Hill to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) headquarters in Southwark St. Continue the march to City Hall, London, SE1 for Rally with speakers from 12 noon
CONTACT: 077 477 95954


INTERNATIONAL WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY
April 28th 2009


WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN OUR PROTEST?
Every year throughout the world more people die from work activity than die in wars. The International Labour Organisation (ILO), estimated that, globally, about 2.2 million people die every year from occupational accidents and diseases, with 270 million workers suffering serious non-fatal injuries and another 160 million workers suffering from short or long term illness from work-related causes.
In Britain the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), our safety police, say in the last 25 years, over 2,800 people have died from injuries received as a result of construction work. In 2007/8 there were 72 construction fatalities. Many more have been injured or made ill. The government say there are currently 4,000 deaths a year from asbestos exposure.


The government, in its drive to de-regulate and cut costs has become even more business friendly. Cuts to the budget of the HSE mean HSE inspectors visiting workplaces and enforcing the law has declined (overall from 1,483 inspectors in 2004 to 1,238 in 2008). The number of HSE prosecutions is also in decline (overall 1,720 offences prosecuted in 2003/4 to 1,028 in 2007/8). All of this in a period when accident rates remain high. The courts still fine some companies a few thousand pounds following a worker death. The number of jailing following a worker death is not much more than a dozen.


WHY PROTEST TO LONDON’S MAYOR?


The Mayor of London has control over two massive public sector projects – the Olympics site and Crossrail. It is necessary to remind the Mayor we want these projects built safely with fair employment practices for all.


THE RECESSION IS A HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUE?


The Economic Collapse threatens your Health and Safety; it’s the filthy rich that caused it – It’s not foreign workers, But its workers in all countries who are being made to pay for it. Resist and get organised join a Trade Union and establish active workplaces and community committees, Demand that there is no increase in workplace fatalities and major injuries. Demand the government not allow our jobs to be lost with all the poverty and ill heath this will cause. Demand not just the nationalisation of the banks but also all major industries. Demand the end of privatisation of all public sector bodies. Demand the reinstatement and expansion of construction direct labour organisations and all other public services. End all agency and bogus self-employment by having workers directly employed.
Workers and trade union safety reps must be given more rights in law to defend themselves.


The government must repeal the anti-trade union laws.


The government must fund the HSE properly and change its enforcement policy to be more "big stick" and less "carrot".


The courts must jail employers who negligently kill workers and increase the level of fines.


Remember the dead – but fight for the living


The construction safety campaign is calling on workers from all the different industrial backgrounds, Trades Unions, workplaces and community groups to support this event


CONTACT: 077 477 95954


I should be able to attend. We could bring the London GP Banner ??




Romayne Phoenix, Campaigns
London Fed
romaynephoenix@mac.com
07985 053 907