HUNDREDS of union activists gathered yesterday in memory of the North-East workers killed in industrial accidents.
Members of the region's trade unions were in Saltwell Park, Gates-head, for a memorial service and a banner blessing ceremony.
It was organised by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), as part of its campaign for better health and safety laws governing the workplace. It was followed by a conference in Gateshead Civic Centre on how unions can lobby for change more effectively.
Kevin Rowan, TUC northern regional secretary and conference chairman, said: "Poor health and safety in the workplace costs employers billions every year.
"It also leaves families without loved ones and continues to maim and injure thousands every year.
"We need a stronger deterrent for employers to act more responsibly in managing health and safety.
"We also need a more regulated industry to ensure that all employers take out liabilities insurance."
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