Union and community members will join families and injured workers tomorrow at International Workers Memorial Day services in Hobart and Launceston.

The 28th of April is International Workers Memorial Day, a day marked annually across the globe, to remember those workers who have become ill, injured, or killed because of their job.

Unions Tasmania hosts these services every year to support the families of workers who should have returned home at the end of their day, but didnt, said Jessica Munday, Unions Tasmania Secretary. The day is also important to raise awareness of the importance of safety at work and for outlining the reforms still needed to make Tasmanian workplaces safe.

Tasmanian workers should be safer than they are now. Last year, there was over 7,500 claims for workers compensation. The real rate of injuries would be much higher. Over the last decade, between 1 and 9 workers have died every year in our state.

As we head to a state election Saturday, Unions Tasmania is calling on political leaders to commit to substantial reform of our work health and safety (WHS) laws. We need to see a commitment from the Tasmanian Government to regulate how psychological risks are managed in the workplace as we continue to see a growing number of workers suffering mental health injuries, said Ms Munday.

Unions Tasmania is also calling for industrial manslaughter laws. Unfortunately, a moral obligation isnt always enough to stop employers cutting corners in pursuit of profit. The ACT, Queensland, Victoria, WA, and the NT all have industrial manslaughter laws. Tasmania is now lagging behind.

Launceston
When: Wednesday 28 April
Where: Workers Memorial Park, Elizabeth Gardens (outside UTAS Stadium)
Time: 8am

Hobart
When: Wednesday 28 April
Where: Franklin Square
Time: 1pm

For further information: Jessica Munday 0417 454 809

Media Release - unions call for WHS reform on International Workers' Memorial Day.pdf