In a striking display of protest, Milan’s Piazza La Scala became the site of a poignant demonstration against workplace fatalities, as Italy’s second-largest union laid out 172 symbolic coffins. The solemn gathering aimed to draw attention to the alarming number of workers who lost their lives in the northern Lombardy region over the past year.
Symbolic Tribute to Fallen Workers
The UIL labour union orchestrated the protest, utilizing 172 cardboard coffins to symbolize each worker who tragically perished in Lombardy in 2023. Enrico Vezza, the leader of the union, emphasized the gravity of the situation, lamenting the loss of lives and emphasizing the need for urgent action to prevent further tragedies. The demonstration aimed to underscore the human toll behind the statistics, with Vezza revealing that 41 workers had already lost their lives in Lombardy this year alone.
Campaign for “Zero Deaths”
Under the rallying cry of “Zero Deaths,” the UIL union’s campaign seeks to galvanize both governmental authorities and businesses into prioritizing workplace safety. A central theme of the protest was the mounting toll of workplace fatalities, exemplified by a sign displaying the escalating numbers since 2018, peaking at 1,709 deaths in 2020 amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Italy’s Grim Statistics on Workplace Fatalities
Italy’s dismal record on workplace safety has drawn scrutiny, with Eurostat reporting the nation ranking eighth in Europe for workplace fatalities. The incidence rate of 2.66 deaths per 100,000 employed individuals in Italy surpasses the EU average, reflecting systemic challenges in ensuring workplace safety standards.
Amidst Tragedy, Calls for Action Persist
The protest in Milan unfolds against the backdrop of a series of fatal incidents across Italy, fueling public outcry and demands for accountability. Recent tragedies, including fatalities at a sewage treatment plant in Sicily, an explosion at a hydroelectric plant in northern Italy, and a construction site collapse in Florence, have reignited the discourse on workplace safety, prompting urgent calls for comprehensive reforms to prevent further loss of life.
SOURCE: Ref Image from AP News
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