CTU demands action to save lives on Workers’ Memorial Day.

Yesterday was Workers’ Memorial Day in Aotearoa – a day, marked on 28 April each year, that remembers those who have been killed, injured, or made ill by work. It is a time to highlight the human cost of unsafe workplaces and to renew our commitment to preventing future harm.

Workers’ Memorial Day reminds us that every worker has a right to return home safely.

This year, Workers’ Memorial Day saw the launch of a campaign led by Te Kauae Kaimahi | The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions to ban engineered stone — a product described as “the asbestos of our times.”

Engineered stone exposes workers to deadly silica dust, causing the incurable lung disease silicosis.

NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff said “Silicosis is a debilitating disease that cannot be cured. The evidence is clear that the only solution is to stop workers from being required to process engineered stone.”

“Brooke van Velden has the power to save workers’ lives. All she needs to do is follow Australia’s example and implement a total ban.”

“There is broad support for this campaign. Last year the CTU joined with 18 other organisations, including public health experts and health and safety specialists, and called on the Minister to act.”

“Aotearoa has a terrible record when it comes to work-associated deaths. The Government has the opportunity to help turn that around by banning engineered stone. It’s time they stepped up on behalf of Kiwi workers.”

The NZCTU has today launched a public petition calling on the Minister to implement a full ban on the import, supply, and use of engineered stone.