23/04/2020
Call for minute’s silence to honour all workers who have died from coronavirus
The country is to be asked to observe a minute’s silence next Tuesday (28 April) to remember all the health, care and other key workers who have lost their lives to coronavirus, in a campaign launched Monday by three health unions.
UNISON, the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Midwives – who between them represent more than a million NHS and public service workers, including porters, refuse collectors and care staff – are urging politicians, employers, people at work and those on lockdown at home to join the tribute at 11am.
The minute’s silence – held on International Workers’ Memorial Day – will allow everyone to pay their respects and give thanks for the lives of those whose work involved caring, saving lives, keeping key services running and the rest of the country safe, say the unions. The tribute is also a show of support for the families of those who have died.
The three unions are hoping the government and other organisations will get on board and join the campaign for there to be a minute’s silence on the day, which every year commemorates workers who have died around the globe.
London UNISON regional secretary Maggi Ferncombe said: “Sadly a number of front-line workers have tragically lost their lives fighting Covid-19, we’ve seen over 4,000 deaths in London so far and without their bravery and incredible selflessness this figure would be much higher.
“London is indebted to our front-line workers for, not only keeping us safe but for keeping vital services going and Tuesday is an opportunity for us all to remember who’s lives have been lost.”
Note to editors
- The minute’s silence will be held at 11am on Tuesday 28 April
- The campaign hashtag for the minute’s silence is #neverforgotten
Media contacts:
Emma Davey M: 07432733187 E: e.davey@unison.co.uk