Pembrokeshire College students have collaborated with a local trade union to highlight the importance of strong health and safety standards in the workplace.
UNISON, the public services union for college support staff, challenged construction students to build something to commemorate Workers’ Memorial Day; the annual event held on 28 April to remember those injured or killed in accidents at work.
The college students have built a disabled-access bench which will be unveiled by UNISON today (Monday) at 2pm, at Pembrokeshire College. Trade union officials will be joined by the students; tutor, Neil Harris; curriculum area manager, Chris Curtis and the college leadership team for the ceremony. Also attending will be Labour Prospective Parliamentary candidate for Preseli Pembrokeshire, Philippa Thompson and representatives from the Pembrokeshire County Council’s Safety Unit.
Jonathan Lewis, UNISON Pembrokeshire branch secretary said,
“As many as 50,000 people die each year in the UK from work-related ill health and accidents and thousands more suffer injuries and work-related poor health. That’s why it’s important for unions to campaign for better standards in the workplace.
“2019 is the year of the young worker and UNISON thought a good way to engage young people with the importance of employment rights and health and safety laws, was to commission them to design something exciting. Joining a trade union offers protection all your working life from apprenticeship or graduation until retirement.
“Well done to all the first year college students and their teacher who have been working hard over the last few months to construct the disabled-access bench. UNISON is proud to present the people of Pembrokeshire with a fitting memorial.”
Notes for editors
-
Journalists wishing to attend the official ceremony at 2pm, Monday 29 April, at Pembrokeshire College, outside the main entrance, should contact Alastair Gittins below.
-
A buffet will be provided.
-
Workers’ Memorial Day is annual event held on 28 April sees workers, their families and representatives around the world marking the day with the rallying cry “remember the dead, but fight for the living”.
-
The bench will be situated at Pembrokeshire College, outside the main entrance.
Contact
Alastair Gittins, UNISON Press Officer on 07816 53 83 97