New memorial bench unveiled in Angus to remember those killed and injured at work on International Workers’ Memorial Day

Monday 29 April 2024

A new poignant and permanent memorial to honour all those in Angus who have lost their lives or been injured at work has been unveiled at Forfar Community Campus yesterday (Sunday 28 April 2024) on International Workers' Memorial Day.

At the special remembrance event, Angus Council's Provost Cllr Brian Boyd, alongside representatives from Angus Council, trade unions and young people from Forfar Academy and Angus Schools Music Service came together to unveil the new memorial bench.

The young people from Forfar Academy with the help and support from staff designed and made the memorial bench to be placed beside the oak tree planted last year, offering a perfect place to pause and reflect. Include any other info re bench.

The bench was funded by donations from Trade Unions UNISON, EIS, SSTA, Unite and GMB and the council.

Angus Council's Provost Cllr Brian Boyd said:

"I'd like to thank everyone for coming together to mark this special day to see the unveiling for this permanent memorial where people can reflect and remember others who have lost their lives at work.

"Today and each year on this date, countries across the world come together to remember those who have died and suffered injury and illness as a result of their work. But it also serves as a reminder to us all to continue to act to keep people safe while they are at work.

"I would like to give a very special thank you to the young people from Forfar Academy who have played a key role in today's ceremony. They have designed and produced an amazing and very fitting bench and tree guard for this memorial. Thanks also to Bob Baldie in the technical department who supported the young people with this important piece of work, and to the fantastic young musicians who introduced today's ceremony and to staff from the school and music service."

Chris Boyle, Branch Secretary UNISON Angus said on behalf of UNISON Angus and other unions:

"It was an honour to speak on behalf of the Trade Union movement at our Angus International Worker's Memorial Day event. We joined thousands of events involving millions of people across the world, in 'remembering the dead and fighting for the living', the motto of the commemoration. It's also the driving force for us to make sure workers are safe and protected in going about their daily work; wherever they may be, in Angus, in Scotland or across the world.

"Workplace can injuries have serious physical and mental health effects on the individuals involved as well as their families. So as trade unionists we work hard to highlight and remedy these issues to employers - something will continue to do until every worker can go to work safe in the knowledge that they will go home at night fit, well and free from harm."