Derry Trades Union Council announce events for Workers Rights and Social Justice Week

This Saturday 26th April marks the start of 2025’s Workers Rights and Social Justice Week (WRSJ Week). This year, Derry Trades Union Council events start with a day in the Guildhall aimed at busting some myths and learning about our common history.

According to Goretti Horgan, the first woman Chair of the Trades Council, “If you are looking for a place to ask awkward questions, be included in the conversation, and have a laugh; if you didn’t know that the trade union movement here has always been “cross-community” and has more members than all the Loyal Orders and the Hibernian clubs put together; if you’re wondering how the world has got to here and where we’re going?  Then Saturday’s event in the Guildhall 12 – 5pm is the place to be.  She says everyone is welcome to “come and find out about how we got the 40 hour weeks, the weekend, paid holidays, maternity leave and sick pay.”

Saturday’s Guildhall event includes panels on the history of workers in NI and on the culture wars, exploring how we can come together going forward. The idea is to explore how and why we’re divided, and how to move forward together in the world.

Featuring original comedy sketches and interactive games from MakeyUppers, local comedy duo and “serious eejits”, it’ll be a chance to meet, learn, and ask the questions you’ve been wondering about.   

Other events in the WRSJ Week include on Sunday a “Celebration of Migrant Workers” in the Guildhall Square from 12.30 to 3.00pm.  Horgan says “Immigrants have enriched every aspect of life in Derry. Our NHS would fall apart if it were not for the workers who come from all over the world to staff our hospitals and care homes. They’re getting it hard on social media. We want to celebrate their input.”

On Wednesday evening 30th April at 7pm, there is a panel discussion in St Columb’s Hall on the subject of “Unlawful Surveillance and Censorship – how the state and media corporations suppress journalists.”  On Thursday 1st May, there is the annual Noeleen O’Kane Memorial Walk around the walls, starting at 6pm from Magazine Gate. 

And, of course, Workers Rights and Social Justice Week always culminates with the May Day march which this year starts at the Waterside Train Station and makes its way to the back of the Guildhall where there will be speeches and music suitable for May Day – International Workers Day.