International Workers Memorial Day is commemorated each year by trade unions across the world.

It remembers those who have lost their lives at work, as well as those who have suffered injury, illness or disease through their employment.

A special wreath laying ceremony was held at South Lanarkshire Council’s HQ today, attended by trade union representatives, Depute Provost Bert Thomson, Depute Leader Gerry Convery, council officials and councillors. A minute’s silence was then observed by those in attendance.

This year’s theme is ‘Remember the dead, fight for the living’.

Depute Provost Thomson said: “The service today allowed all of us the opportunity to pause and remember those who have sadly lost their lives through work, and let their families and friends know they will never be forgotten. 

“Thank you to everyone who works tirelessly to raise awareness of the need for better safety at work so that one day the need for this memorial service becomes a thing of the past.

“But until that day, we will continue to hold this service for all those workers who went to work but didn’t make it home safely.”

Vice-Chair of South Lanarkshire’s Joint Trade Union Committee, Tony Slaven, said: “As we remember the dead we need to fight for the living.

“We will as Trade Union activists continue to campaign for improvements and challenge issues that risk threatening the health and safety of our members.”