INTERNATIONAL WORKERS' MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE - 28 APRIL 2016, PILGRIM UNITING CHURCH, FLINDERS STREET, ADELAIDE
28 April 2016
SA Unions says politicians should stop making workers' safety a political football and fight harder to make sure people come home from work alive.
Secretary, Joe Szakacs says International Workers' Memorial Day today is a chance to reflect on the tragic losses from workplace deaths and diseases in this country.
"This is a day to remember the dead and fight for the living."
"We mourn today with families and friends who have been devastated by the loss of loved ones at work."
"Their losses make the union movement more determined than ever to continue the fight for safer workplaces."
Mr Szakacs says the Turnbull Government's recent abolition of the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal represented a cynical pandering to conservative forces within his own party.
"Trucking is one of the most dangerous jobs in Australia, with drivers fifteen times more likely to die on the job than other workers."
"Yet the ongoing safety of drivers was sacrificed as part of a political stunt."
Mr Szakacs said the proposed reintroduction of the Australian Building and Construction Commission will not save one life on building sites around the country.
"In fact, it will make construction sites more dangerous, as it aims to restrict union officials from entering to ensure workers are safe."
"We want people to think about workers safety when they turn up to vote on election day."