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Every International Workers Memorial Day, we turn our thoughts to those who have lost their lives through work or at work, following their being in a unavoidable incident which took their lives: 'We Remember The Dead. We Fight For The Living' is the mantra we quote and that which we live by, and so say, loud and clear, all Trade Unionists across the World on this day 28th April every year. On a sunny and warm day in Liverpool , there gathered today, a large number of people, one of the biggest in recent years, to commemorate those who lost their lives through work-related illnesses, injury, and disease; and who took their own lives due to work-related stress and mental anguish.
In a poignant speech, Audrey White, framed this photograph of a little girl attending today, and without realising it; when she spoke of a friend's young boy of school leaving age looking for a life-long career, and attended an Employment Careers Officer for some inspiration. He wanted to be a Yet, despite his speaking of his dream job, the careers officer told him, 'You'd better join the Army then.' 12 months later, he was dead. killed on the battlefield of a needless and illegal war; and without appropriate British Army standard protective equipment that all soldiers should be issued with! This was the future forced upon this young boy, by politicians, abroad and from within this country, as the prime minister bent his knee before the throne of an American President intent on war. Could we see this happening again? The hope is that this photo of a little girl being given the world renowned book, The Ragged Trousered Philanthropist, for her family to read, and for her when she grows up; reminds us all that the world of work, irrespective of the type of work; should never result in a single worker leaving home that morning and never coming home! In the eyes of a child you can see, the trust, hope, love, and dreams for a life of safe work in a safe environment; and for a future on this planet were the air is safe to breathe, the climate sustains all life, including that of this little girl and of her children and her children's children. Chris Ingram, 28th April 2025 Sincere thanks to the woman and little girl for permission to publish my photo of them. See also: Further reports of this year's IWMD to come this week. International Workers Memorial Day News Archive
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"If there is one single photograph that sticks in my mind, it is this photo I took today of a Woman and a Little Girl holding a copy of 'The Ragged Trousered Philanthropist by Robert Tressel.", said Chris Ingram web editor of unionsafety. "It inspired this news item headline, and encapsulated the image that everyone should see in their minds-eye, when they think of the world of work that today's children have to look forward to."
We listened to the inspiring words of guest speakers, Jamie McGovern, Ian Byrne MP West Derby, Audrey White from Merseyside Pensioners Association, and from the day's chair Roger Philips well known Liverpool BBC Radio Merseyside talk-show host; who now retired, continues his support for IWMD each year in hosting this annual event in Liverpool.