Journalists who went to work but never came home were among those remembered at this year’s Workers’ Memorial Day commemoration in Leeds.
Branch committee member Neil Wilby told about 150 people who gathered in front of the Central Library on the Headrow: “I stand here on behalf of my union and my fellow journalists to pay tribute to the media workers around the world who have made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of truth.
“And 2024 was the deadliest year for our profession since records began. The International Federation of Journalists reports that 168 journalists were killed, including at least 152 in Gaza alone.”
Workers’ Memorial Day is an international event that is marked in West Yorkshire each year by a wreath-laying ceremony organised by Leeds Trades Union Council. A minute’s silence was held to remember the dead before a series of speakers emphasised the importance of protecting the living by organising for better health and safety in all workplaces.
Alongside the NUJ, other unions represented at this year’s event on 28 April included the RMT, the National Education Union, Usdaw, the CWU and Unite. The Unite brass band provided appropriately sombre musical accompaniment, including Abide With Me.
Before laying a wreath on behalf of the branch, Neil added: “Today, we remember. But tomorrow, we organise. Because the best tribute we can pay to those we have lost is to keep going. To keep reporting. To keep questioning. To keep telling the truth, no matter the cost.”
