To mark International Workers’ Memorial Day three health unions are asking the nation to pause for a minute’s silence to remember all key workers who have sadly died as a result of the coronavirus outbreak today.
The Royal College of Nursing, the Royal College of Midwifes and UNISON are asking the UK to observe a moment of reflection at 11am on Tuesday 28th April.
The three unions collectively represent more than a million NHS and public service staff.
The minute’s silence will be held on International Workers’ Memorial Day. It will allow the nation to pay respect to those whose work involved caring, saving lives, and keeping key services running and the rest of the country safe, while showing support for families who have lost a loved one.
Flags at the RCN’s headquarters will also be flown at half-mast in tribute to the nursing staff who have died during the COVID-19 pandemic.
RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary Dame Donna Kinnair said: “We’ve become used to hearing a great roar on a Thursday night for key workers, but this respectful silence will be a poignant reminder of the risks they run to keep us safe. I hope the public gets behind this with the same affection they show when applauding our people.
“The silence is a simple show of respect for those who have paid the very highest price, but their loved ones must know the levels of gratitude we feel as a nation and take some comfort from that.”
UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “For every minute this pandemic continues, people are making extraordinary sacrifices to keep us safe and run our vital services.
“The least we can all do is spare a moment to pay our respects and show our gratitude to all the key workers who have lost their lives.”
The silence is also an opportunity to think about all those workers who are continuing to keep the country safe and functioning, says UNISON.
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