Derry councillors urge people to get involved in Workers' Rights and Social Justice Week

People Before Profit Councillor Shaun Harkin said: "Working with the trade union movement we proposed that Derry and Strabane Council host a 'Workers Rights and Social Justice Week' to ensure the contribution of workers - past, present and future - would be properly marked this year and every year going forward.

"We are delighted that despite the Covid-19 crisis an excellent programme of events has come together. From the shirt factory workers and the dockers to our health care workers and food workers today - the week of events will pay tribute to their role in shaping the city, challenging injustice and in making sure our society can function in the midst of this pandemic."

SDLP Councillor Mary Durkan said: “Events had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but the creativity and hard work of the organisers made it possible to pull together such an impressive and varied virtual programme covering a wide range of workers’ rights and broader social justice issues. We have an excellent foundation for building upon in future years.

“The pandemic is shining a light on the true value of our workers, particularly those on the frontline. We are also seeing the value of trade unions in standing up for workers’ rights and protecting employees’ health and safety. This dedicated week in the run up to May Day is an appropriate celebration and tribute to workers across all sectors."

Due to government guidelines around COVID-19, the events originally scheduled to take place were cancelled, and instead Council have taken the programme digital. It kicked off yesterday and will run until May Day.

Colr. Harkin said: "The triple crisis of capitalism - the global health pandemic, the economic meltdown and the climate emergency requires action on a massive scale. Those of us with a different vision for society must rise to the challenge. The 'Workers Rights and Social Justice Week' can help educate a new generation on how ordinary people in their workplaces and in their communities campaigned for justice, dignity and equality.

"We encourage everyone to support the events and join us in paying tribute to front line workers on May 1 with noise, red flags, union banners and signs for workers rights."

The full programme for 'Workers' Rights and Social Justice Week' is available at https://www.derrystrabane.com/workersrights