Key workers who have died as a result of Covid-19 to be remembered on Workers' Memorial Day

International Workers' Memorial Day

International Workers' Memorial Day will be marked this year with a minute's silence to commemorate over 100 key workers who have died as a result of Covid-19.

Workers Memorial Day, held on 28 April every year, is the day when trade unionists around the world remember those who have died or been injured through work.

Normally the Rochdale commemoration event is held at the memorial gardens opposite the Town Hall and is attended by councillors, MPs and trade unionists.

However this year it will be marked by a minutes silence at 11am on Tuesday 28 April by workers across Rochdale Council as well as other councils and at hospitals in Greater Manchester.

Councillor Allen Brett, leader of Rochdale Council, said: “Along with council staff, I will observe the one minute’s silence as residents and organisations from across the borough will pause, reflect and pay tribute to those frontline care staff who have tragically lost their lives to Covid-19. Our thoughts and love are with their families and friends, as we honour their dedicated and selfless work, on this special day of remembrance.”

All over the world, workers and their representatives conduct events, demonstrations, vigils and a whole host of other activities to mark the day.

Every year more people are killed at work than in wars. Workers’ Memorial Day commemorates those workers.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/118371/workers-memorial-day-commemoration-at-rochdale-memorial-gardens