Tuesday 28 April, 2009 is the International Commemoration Day (ICD) for Dead and Injured Workers. the day on which we remember the over 2 million workers who die, the more than 1.2 million who are injured, and the more than 160 million who fall ill each year due to unsafe, unhealthy, or unsustainable work and workplaces.

Tuesday 28 April, 2009 is the International Commemoration Day (ICD) for Dead and Injured Workers, the day on which we remember the over 2 million workers who die, the more than 1.2 million who are injured, and the more than 160 million who fall ill each year due to unsafe, unhealthy, or unsustainable work and workplaces.

Historically, International Commemoration Day (ICD) is rooted in the Canadian labour movement,whose actions led to the first national recognition of 28 April by any government as Canada adopted the “Day of Mourning” Bill C-223 in 1989. 28 April became an “international day” in 1996 at the United Nations in New York, when a Global Union delegation lit a Commemorative Candle and Incense for workers who are killed or become ill because of their work, as well as to promote Decent Work and Sustainable Workplaces. Since the 1996 celebration at the UN, the international labour movement has observed and promoted 28 April around the world, and it is now officially recognised by national governments in nineteen countries or territories.

28 April is more than a ‘memorial’ day to remember victims of the past. It also draws attention to the living who continue to be exposed to risk of injury or death, and thus serves to symbolically transform sentiments of mourning, loss and suffering into positive action for dialogue and change. For this reason, 28 April is forward-looking, a day for action, as well as for mourning.

The priority of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) for 2009 is Good Occupational Health for All Workers. The theme priority for 28 April 2009 was chosen after widespread consultation with the international labour movement. As in past years, you are invited to focus on specific issues and sectors that encompass any or all of the following, all covered by the theme of “Good Occupational Health for All Workers”, some organizations will be focusing on the following:
a) The causes of occupational & environmental cancers;
b) The ‘Ban Asbestos Campaign’;
c). Provision of public health care for occupational diseases and injuries;
d) HIV/AIDS;
e) Occupational safety and health standards & enforcement.