Memorial for fallen workers
Two ceremonies were staged in Renfrewshire yesterday to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day.
They remembered people who lost their lives in a workplace accident.
A new ceremony was staged at a memorial cairn in Robertson Park, Renfrew.
Then Paisley TUC members gathered at the flagpoles at Renfrewshire Council’s headquarters in Cotton Street.
Councillor Natalie Don said: “Too many families suffer the horror of seeing a loved one go to work and never return.
“Every year, the sacrifice of workers around the world is recognised, but this year has a special significance because of the pandemic.
“According to some reports, over 100 NHS and care workers alone have lost their lives to this pandemic while trying to save the lives of others.
“The risks faced by those working in the health and social care sectors has already been acknowledged, but there are also others – those working in childcare, police services and refuse collection, in hostels and rescue centres, in gas, water and electricity, and in transport services among them – whose work and dedication often goes unacknowledged.”
“It is especially emotional for the Renfrew event as this will be the first time this event has been held at the Workers’ Memorial Cairn since the death of former Councillor Bill Perrie, who worked with Paisley and District Trades Council to get the memorial built.”