Members of Northern Ireland Trades Unions gathered at Stormont today (Monday) to lay a wreath in memory of all those workers who have lost their lives while at work. The ceremony was given added poignancy this year with the recent murder of Journalist Lyra McKee.
Pictured with wreath are Gerry Carson National Union of Journalists, (centre) with Geraldine Alexander Chair of the ICTU Health and Safety Committee (right) and Alison Millar General Secretary of NIPSA and vice chair of ICTU.
Workers Memorial Day is marked internationally as a way of remembering those who have been killed or injured at or because of work or who have contracted a work-related illness or disease.
ICTU Assistant General Secretary Owen Reidy said, "Workers Memorial Day is an opportunity for us to reflect on the people who have tragically lost their lives at or because of work. This year Workers Memorial Day is especially poignant as we remember journalist and NUJ member Lyra McKee, brutally murdered in the course of her work.
"As well as reflecting on this senseless loss, we remember the many families who have lost their loved ones in workplace accidents and the many more people whose lives have been cut short or blighted because of occupational diseases and illnesses.
"By laying a wreath at 12 noon on Monday 29th April, we will resolve to redouble our efforts to ensure that all workers, regardless of their workplace, are able to carry out their work safely and free from intimidation and fear".
