Derry and Strabane Workers Rights and Social Justice Programme launched

The programme for this year’s Workers Rights and Social Justice Week in Derry and Strabane has gone live this week with a range of events focusing on workers’ unity and activism.

The programme will reflect on the campaign by the workers’ rights movement down through the decades and provides an opportunity to highlight issues that are facing workforces today.

It will feature events hosted by Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) and by Derry Trades Union Council (DTUC) and will run from April 26 to May 5.

Looking ahead to Workers Rights and Social Justice Week, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Cllr Lilian Seenoi-Barr, said: “I would really encourage people to support the events taking place throughout WR&SJ Week, which have been planned to educate, inspire and empower local workers.

“It’s an opportunity to share learnings and raise awareness of the issues that are impacting us in our workplaces every day. As a Council we support the campaign to ensure all employees are fairly paid and feel valued in their work. So much has already been achieved but more needs to be done, and it’s important that we to continue to work together in solidarity to progress the campaign for change.”

The programme opens at 12noon on Saturday, April 26, with a day of workshops, discussions and entertainment in the Guildhall, exploring workers’ unity across the decades, communities and culture. Everyone is welcome to attend this free event, and booking is not required.

On May 1, the Alley Theatre will play host to a special talk by Alana Moore on the work of prominent local campaigner and activist Ann Browne, titled ‘Our Local Girl Loved Worldwide’. 

Ms Browne campaigned extensively for workers in, and refugees from, Latin America, particularly those involved in the mining and similar industries. Ann first developed a love for Latin America at Queen’s University where she studied Spanish and at London's Institute of Latin American Studies. During her time at university she was also an avid supporter of the civil rights movement, and she took that passion with her when she worked in London and Brussels when she joined the Miners' International Federation (MIF).

The talk sets the scene for the opening of a special exhibition in Ann Browne’s honour titled ‘Ann's Journey: Honouring the Life and Legacy of Strabane's Trade Union Pioneer’. The exhibition will run throughout May.

The annual Noelene O’Kane Annual Walk around the City Walls will also take place on Thursday, May 1 leaving Magazine Gate at 6pm with the opportunity to hear more about significant events in the working class history of the city.

Find out more about the full programme of events at www.derrystrabane.com/workersrights