HANSARD
SITTING CALENDAR
SEARCH
LIVE BROADCAST
Hansard Dynamic Subject Index
Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-05-04 Daily Xml
Contents
Pdf Xml

MATTERS OF INTEREST

INTERNATIONAL WORKERS' DAY

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (15:21): This year, International Workers' Day (also known as May Day) was celebrated on Sunday, 1 May. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets around the world to fight for their rights, protesting and marching. Nowadays, May Day is a national holiday celebrated in 80 countries around the world; however, it is celebrated unofficially in many more. It is a day where we pay tribute to workers and celebrate labour unions. May Day consists of street demonstrations, rallies and marches organised by workers and their labour unions. It is also a day where workers protest for change.

May Day originated in the US in 1886, where labour organisations fought for better working conditions such as the eight-hour day, as opposed to 10 or 14-hour days, and other work-related issues. A few days later, there was a rally in Haymarket Square in Chicago, where a bomb was thrown, killing 12 people. Police then arrested eight leaders of the movement, who were later executed. It took a few years before governments recognised this day as a national holiday, but it grew bigger and bigger each year and with more and more workers fighting for better conditions. In 1890, European workers went on strike, forcing their governments to consider it as a national holiday, to be held on 1 May each year.

As part of International Workers' Day, it is also important to recognise those who have lost their lives at work, and to pay tribute to them and their loved ones. SafeWork SA spokesman, Peter Adams, states that there have been 10 deaths in the last year which have been caused in the workplace. As part of International Workers' Day, we also have International Worker's Memorial Day, held in April, which commemorates those who have died in workplace accidents, or work-related accidents.

In 2003, a special memorial place was started in Bonython Park by Rosemary McKenzie-Ferguson, who is the head of the Work Injured Resource Connection. She said:

Workplace accidents do happen. They are very preventable. To commemorate a life lost in this way is important to remind us all that a workplace can be a dangerous place.

She planted a tree to remember her brother, who died while working in 1969. Over the years, sadly, many trees have been planted, each a symbol to represent someone who has died as a result of workplace injury, disease, during transportation to and from work, and suicide as a result of workplace matters. This forest is known as the Deceased Workers' Memorial Forest, where people are encouraged to visit and honour their lost loved ones. On Thursday, 28 April, a ceremony was held where 13 new trees were planted, followed by the release of balloons—each representing a tree.

On Thursday, 28 April, I had the privilege of attending the International Workers' Memorial. Among those present were, of course, yourself, Mr President; the Hon. John Darley; the Hon. Rob Lucas; the Hon. Tammy Franks; Michael Atkinson MP, representing the Hon. Patrick Conlon; Rachel Sanderson MP; Senator Anne McEwen; my assistant, Kara Marks, and trainee Olivia Gellard. This was a special service held at Pilgrim Uniting Church, devoted to honouring those who have lost their lives due to workplace illness and accidents. More than 150 people attended the service, many paying tribute to family and friends they have lost.

Andrea Madeley, from Voice of Industrial Death, organised the event, stating that she wanted this year's memorial to be 'truly beautiful'. The event consisted of different representatives from organisations, such as Voice of Industrial Death, Asbestos Diseases Society of South Australia, WorkSafe SA and more, reading passages from the bible and commenting on how important it is to remember that the workplace is not always safe, and to remember those who have been unfortunate to lose their lives.

Friends and families were encouraged to go to the alter to light a candle in remembrance of their loved ones. Once the ceremony was finished, all guests were invited out to the front of the church to view the releasing of six doves and many balloons. In closing, may I thank my trainee Olivia Gellard for her research and preparation of this matter of interest.

PARLIAMENTARY BUSINESS
MEMBERS
GET INVOLVED
ABOUT PARLIAMENT
VISIT
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
CONTACT