Walking for Workers' Memorial Day

Unite’s London and Eastern region has organised a history walk to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day (April 28) this year.

Last year, the region ran a highly successful series of working-class history walks that helped members discover past struggles and the lessons trade unions today can learn from them.

The walks were led by a trade unionist and accredited walk guide with the Lambeth Tour Guides Association. They took to the streets of Waterloo and Charing Cross to bring working-class history to life (pictured below).

On Sunday, April 28, former London and Eastern regional officer Dave Turnbull returns to the streets of south London to run an IWMD special.

The walk starts at 1pm and will explore the industrial past of the Southbank. Walkers will have a chance to discover the past hazards and health and safety issues affecting workers in the area and how these were challenged through trade union organising, campaigning and legislation.

Dave will also talk about modern-day health and safety challenges workers in the 21st century face while exploring the area.

Unite regional education organiser Margaret Bourne said, “Last year’s walk Many Languages – One Voice! (pictured above) was incredibly well received and explored a century of fightback by low-paid women and migrant workers in hotels and hospitality.

“We had some great feedback, including one person contacting us to say that ‘It was a great walk and very informative.’ We are really looking forward to taking to the streets again to tie in with International Workers’ Memorial Day and explore health and safety, and the working-class history of the Southbank.”

The International Workers’ Memorial Day Walk takes place on Sunday, April 28 at 1pm and is free. To find out more details and register for the walk, email: [email protected]

By Keith Hatch