We are so proud that Suzanne Hales was invited to represent Momentum Support at the International Workers’ Memorial Day on the 28th April 2020. Suzanne is a cleaning operative at St. James’s Hospital Dublin, and we spoke to her about how she felt to be involved in this amazing event.
How did you feel when you were invited by SIPTU to represent Momentum Support at the International Workers’ Memorial Day in Áras an Uachtaráin?
I felt privileged that I was invited to not only represent Momentum Support but also every frontline worker.
What was the highlight of the day?
I felt privileged to meet President Michael D Higgins and Mrs. Higgins. Especially as the location included the Plough and the Stars. This had been unveiled by President Michael D Higgins on Tuesday 1st May 2018 where he had given a speech “In remembering the 1913 Lockout, we recall the endurance, and historical human rights significance that lay at its vey heart. The event we honour and commemorate today was about struggle for the right to join a trade union”
What emotions were you experiencing in the lead up to and during the International Workers’ Memorial Day in Áras an Uachtaráin?
I was excited to attend but also very sad to be remembering people who had lost their life during the pandemic to COVID 19. I felt emotional from my own personal experience working daily in St James’s Hospital on the frontline. That many people have passed without having a family member at their bedside.
What are you most proud of?
I was one of four people chosen out of thousands of workers to attend the Memorial Day. I stood on my star point respecting social distancing of two meters apart from my four frontline colleagues. They represented the Post Office, Supervalu, Fire Services Paramedic and a Nurse. It was both a reflective and sombre occasion and one that I will remember for the rest of my life.