Special Memorial Event Held In Rainham To Mark International Workers’ Day.

A special memorial event was held yesterday outside Rainham Library to commemorate International Workers’ Day and honour the memory of those who lost their lives at work.

The event took place next to a memorial stone unveiled in 2019 to mark the death of seven munitions workers at a Rainham factory explosion in 1916.

The memorial was organised by Peter Liddle from Havering’s Unison Trade Union and brought together a number of local representatives and community members to pay their respects.

Havering’s Mayor, Councillor Gerry O’Sullivan, led the ceremony, supported by Deputy Lieutenant Nick Bracken OBE with a small service held by Cannon Peter Wylie of St Andrew’s Church. Also attending were Margaret Mullane, MP for Dagenham and Rainham, along with Havering councillors Sue Ospreay, Stephanie Nunn, Graham Williamson, Barry Mugglestone and Matt Stanton.

Local figures David Ainsworth and Andrew Achilleos also joined the gathering, alongside a number of trade union members who came to show their solidarity.

During the event, speakers reflected on the importance of recognising workers who tragically lost their lives while carrying out their duties. Particular mention was made of the Ferry Lane Factory tragedy, a sorrowful chapter in the community’s history that continues to serve as a poignant reminder of the need for ongoing protections for workers.

The gathering reinforced the value of standing together to remember the past, honour the lives lost, and continue the work of ensuring safer conditions for all.

Dagenham and Rainham MP, Margaret Mullane told the Havering Daily:

“International Workers Memorial Day is about remembering the dead and reenergising our fight to improve working conditions for the living – hopefully something that the Government’s landmark Employment Rights Bill will help us achieve.

It is important to ensure that the injustices of the past are not forgotten, and those still living with the effect of historic working practices, such as former asbestos workers living with mesothelioma or pleural plaques, have the support they need to get the justice they deserve.”

Councillor Graham Williamson told the Havering Daily:

“The safety of a workforce must be one of the first concerns for employers and managers. Sadly, there have been numerous incidents over the years where there has not been the case. Today was a genuine gesture towards previous victims but we must be on guard to ensure safety isn’t sacrificed in the interest of excessive profit.”

Councillor Matt Stanton told the Havering Daily:

“Everyone has the right to go to work in safe conditions, whether that’s down to accommodations like safety barriers, or personal protective equipment. Every improvement and protection we have as workers has had to be fought for against those who put profit before safety. As a Trade Unionist, I’m proud to be here today to commemorate those who have lost their lives locally and across the world, and also to fight for a better future for those who are today dying, injured, or exploited in the name of profit.”

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