International Workers’ Memorial Day 2026
This year’s event took place on a warm and sunny Tuesday 28th April in Princes Street Gardens and was attended by 70 people.
Our speakers were Ian McGregor from the Fire Brigade Union, Tom Britton from Educational Institute of Scotland and Farhan Shebab, Vice President of Edinburgh University Student Federation of India.
Ian shared the kinds of risks faced by Fire Fighters every day, from attending the fire on Arthur’s Seat last summer to increased fires and explosions caused by car batteries or vapes. He reminded those listening that Fire Fighters are more likely to contract many types of cancer from exposure to hazardous substances at work.
Tom Britton talked about his how his Grandad, as a pipe fitter, regularly moved asbestos with his hands in the 1950s and he also talked about the experience of teachers today as they face threats of violence and abuse at work and how it often leads to an inability to maintain good health at work.
Farhan shared the experience of those workers in India and how protections of their health and safety are often overlooked and seen as an expensive add on rather than integral to work.
Protest in Harmony added songs including Freedom Come All Ye! which brought comradeship and solidarity with all workers here and around the world.
Floral tributes and wreaths were laid at the Memorial Tree from the Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron, Councillor Vicky Nicholson, NUJ, EIS, Unison-Lothian Health, Unite-Not for Profit, Scottish Hazards, TSSA, Edinburgh TUC, Communist Party, Unite-Community, Scottish Palestine Solidarity, Unite-Lothian Retired members, FACK, Unison-City of Edinburgh and CWU
