April 28th marked the “International Workers’ Memorial Day,” a day dedicated to commemorating the victims of work-related accidents. Six representatives from the Workers’ Rights Association gathered outside the government headquarters on the 28th to petition for the establishment of a “4.28 Workers’ Memorial Day” and the construction of a monument in memory of those affected by such tragedies. They also called for ongoing improvements in occupational safety, penalties, compensation, and education systems.
The Workers’ Rights Association stated that this year marks the 29th year of their advocacy for the establishment of Workers’ Memorial Day. They criticized the government for years of evasion, using reasons such as the perceived negativity associated with the memorial day and monument to reject their proposals. The association believes that a memorial day and monument are essential for acknowledging the sacrifices and contributions of workers, to comfort those with work-related injuries and the families of those who lost their lives, and to remind society of the importance of industrial safety.
Starting on March 28th, the association conducted surveys through online questionnaires and street surveys, receiving 1,002 responses by April 24th. Among them, 97% of respondents supported the establishment of Workers’ Memorial Day, while nearly half believed that April 28th should be designated as a statutory holiday (49.1%) and a memorial monument or installation should be erected (47.5%). Additionally, 42% of respondents believed that a memorial garden or park should be established.
Regarding the location for the monument or installation, 31.2% of respondents suggested it should be erected at relevant government departments, and 10% recommended placing it at the government headquarters. The association views the public’s preference for facing the Workers’ Memorial Monument towards the government as serving as a warning to the government. Others suggested that the monument should be installed in a park (29.1%) or a prominent location in the city (26.5%).
The Workers’ Rights Association highlighted that the number of work-related fatalities in Hong Kong has consistently remained above 200 cases annually, with last year recording the highest number of occupational deaths in three years. This reveals that the level of occupational safety in Hong Kong has not seen significant improvements over time.
They believe that establishing a Workers’ Memorial Day and setting up a memorial monument is the most direct form of education and serves as a reminder to the public. The association also emphasized that only when the government prioritizes life and subsequently enhances occupational safety, penalties, compensation, and other systems can more preventable tragedies be avoided, making Hong Kong a genuinely safe city.
Currently, over 20 countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, Canada, and Argentina have established Workers’ Memorial Days.