Visit GMB online at www . gmb-westmids . org . uk
TERMINALLY ILL employees protected
Sandwell Council is the first local authority to sign up for the Dying to Work charter
T hanks to discussions with GMB , Sandwell Council has become the first local authority to sign up for the voluntary employer charter created by the Dying to Work campaign , which seeks to support terminally ill employees who find themselves unprotected under current laws .
Dying to Work will defend GMB members during the worst time of their lives , as well as helping to fight for a change in the law to protect those who are terminally ill . One of those involved in Dying to Work is member Jacci Woodcock , who turned to GMB for help after being horrified by her company ' s actions when she told them she was dying of cancer .
“ I was actually astounded about what HR asked ,” she says . “ It was all about capability , capability , capability – no concern for me as their employee and no apparent care that I was dying .”
The council agreed to sign up for the campaign following talks between branch secretary Darren James , GMB regional officer Gill Whittaker , and acting leader of Sandwell Council , Steve Eling . As a bonus , the council will be adding further support initiatives to assist employees .
We will remember them
GMB commemorates International Workers ’ Memorial Day
JACCI WOODCOCK Founder of the Dying to Work campaign .
MORE INFORMATION
For more information about the campaign or if you are affected , please speak to your local rep , branch office or visit www . dyingtowork . co . uk
On 28 April , GMB members , activists , Labour Party representatives and members of the local community united in the grounds of St John the Baptist Church , Halesowen , for the annual commemoration of International Workers ’ Memorial Day .
More than 80 people attended the event , including
Labour MP Pat McFadden . This year ’ s theme for the day was Strong Laws / Strong Enforcement / Strong Unions , highlighting growing attacks across the world on health and safety protections for workers .
GMB released 100 balloons at the event , in memory of all those killed and injured in their workplaces , and laid a wreath to commemorate those workers who had lost their lives due to unsafe practices .
FLORAL TRIBUTES Flowers for the fallen .
Joe Morgan , GMB regional secretary , said : “ In 2015 the number of fatal injuries in the workplace was 142 – this is 142 too many . These figures exclude road traffic accidents , workers travelling by air or sea , armed forces and also suicide , so the figure – realistically – is a lot higher .
“ Over the last five years ,
the government has driven down the budget for the Health & Safety Executive , labelling health and safety inspections unnecessary red tape , and removing protection from millions of workers .
“ We commemorate International Workers ’ Memorial Day to highlight and raise awareness , with the slogan ‘ Remember the dead , fight for the living !’”
IN OUR THOUGHTS GMB pays its respects to dead workers .
* Figures : Health & Safety Executive ( HSE ) www . gmb-westmids . org . uk 29