Bolton commemorates Workers' Memorial Day outside town hall

The day, on Sunday, April 28, remembers workers across the world who have lost their lives during the course of their employment.

One prominent figure in attendance was Bernie Gallagher.

Having been involved in the trade union movement for decades, Ms Gallagher served as branch secretary for Bolton Unison, and had served on the union’s national executive committee for 10 years.

The 69-year-old, from Breightmet, said she had seen workplace injuries in the course of her employment.

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She said: “It’s an international event, so it’s not just about the people of the UK, it’s about workers across the world and how they’ve died at work.

“But, it’s also to make sure there are better working conditions so people don’t die or get seriously injured at work.”

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Left to right: Council leader Nick Peel, Bernie Gallagher, and mayor Mohammed Ayub (Image: Jack Fifield, Newsquest)

Cllr Nick Peel was also in attendance.

Speaking to The Bolton News, the council leader thanked everyone who came to the event.

He said: “I come every year to be part of this event that commemorates those who have lost their lives in the workplace, and to try to raise awareness to prevent that happening in the future.

“I think it’s really important, people talk about health and safety at work as if it’s some kind of joke, people make jokes about it.

“But the fact that health and safety legislation has been introduced in Britain over many, many years has actually saved people’s lives at work, and that’s no laughing matter.

“Going back in the past, there were horrendous conditions in the workplaces, and that legislation changed that.

“The battle doesn’t end there, there’s always more to do, there are always more things to do in the factories and other workplace settings to make sure people are safe and protected in their working practices.”

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Bolton. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.