Mattarella: the management of migration flows must respect people’s dignity. Meloni: a serious act by the CGIL
The Head of State: “The right to work and the need to safeguard safety for everyone, everywhere, is a founding principle shared by the whole of Europe”
‘In memory of Marcinelle and paying tribute to those who perished there – as in other tragic episodes in the history of Italian emigration – we are called upon to reflect on the human cost that was paid and to take action to ensure that such disasters are not repeated and that the management of migration flows adheres to criteria that respect human dignity.”
Worker protection: a cornerstone of the European Union
This is emphasised by the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, in a passage from the message sent to mark the 70th anniversary of the Marcinelle tragedy and the 25th National Day of Remembrance for Italian Workers’ Sacrifices Around the World. “The right to work, and the need to safeguard safety everywhere and for everyone – a cornerstone of our Constitution – today embodies a founding principle shared by the entire European family, within which the protection of workers and the fight against all forms of exploitation have become a shared heritage,” adds the Head of State.
“The victims of Marcinelle,” emphasises the Head of State, “are part of our country’s collective identity. They have come to hold profound symbolic significance for the whole of Europe, coming to symbolise the process of European integration. The Commission, on the initiative of the European Parliament and the Member States, has in fact decided to propose 8 August as a European Day in memory of the victims of accidents at work. The right to work.”
‘In commemorating Marcinelle and paying tribute to those who perished there – as in other tragic episodes in the history of Italian emigration – we are called upon to reflect on the human cost that was paid and to take action to ensure that such tragedies are not repeated and that the management of migration flows is guided by criteria that respect human dignity.”
“To the families of the 262 victims – 136 of whom were Italian – who died at the Bois du Cazier on 8 August 1956, and to the families of all those who have died at work in any other circumstances and in any part of the world – concludes the Head of State – I once again express the Republic’s deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy.”
