Perth and Kinross Labour Party marked International Workers’ Memorial Day (IWMD) on April 28 in Perth.
Visiting a site in the North Inch park for the annual remembrance service for workers who have died or been injured while carrying out their employment roles, local government candidates Alasdair Bailey, Kirsten Roper and Scott Forsyth joined Lorna Robertson, Unite branch secretary at NHS Tayside.
Perth and Kinross Labour Party placed a plaque on the North Inch near the War Memorial in honour of all workers on International Workers Memorial Day 2022.
Posies were laid by Perth and Kinross Labour Party and Unite the Union.
Tricia Duncan, chairperson of Perth and Kinross Labour Party, said: “We know that every year more people are killed at work than in wars.
“Most don’t die of mystery ailments, or in tragic ‘accidents’. They die because an employer decided their safety just wasn’t that important a priority.”
Tricia reported that this year’s memorial events are made even more poignant due to the work-related loss of life due to the COVID pandemic.
The COVID pandemic and its toll on workers, especially those in essential services, makes this year’s remembrance more memorable.
Cllr Bailey, candidate for Carse of Gowrie, laid a wreath on behalf of Perth and Kinross Labour Party members for all killed or injured at work.
He was joined by Scottish Labour’s local government candidates Kirsten Roper for Perth City South and Scott Forsyth for Perth City Centre and Lorna Robertson, Unite Branch Secretary, NHS Tayside Branch.
Cllr Bailey said: “It is with great pleasure that I along with other Scottish Labour candidates in Perth and Kinross have taken time away from our campaign to attend our annual remembrance service in Perth.
“We owe a great debt to all workers who have put their lives on the line, especially in the last year.
“This occasion allows us to show our collective respect.”
Lorna Robertson, Unite branch secretary, NHS Tayside, said: “I’m pleased to be representing NHS Tayside branch on IWMD and remembering all the health staff who lost their lives during the pandemic, and our health and safety reps working hard to keep our members safe at their place of work.
“No worker should leave for work and not come home.”
