This article is under development over Autumn 2025, having recently digitised archival materials from the 1929 ILO Workers Memorial campaign which will be available here shortly.
In 1929, following the momentum from previous Peace Memorial Campaigns led by Women of Wales over 1923-4, and Churches of Wales over 1925-6, over 1928-29 The Welsh League of Nations Union coordinated with Trade Unions and other bodies to create a memorial petition and bronze bust of the Newtown, Powys-born social reformer Robert Owen, to the headquarters of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Geneva – where it remains to this day on display in the ILO Library, as a symbol of Wales’ wish to play an active role among the world’s nations.
The ILO campaign was driven and coordinated by WLNU board member Gwilym Hughes of Barmouth, who took on the organisation and coordination of the ‘Robert Owen Memorial Fund’ over 1928-9, and made the preliminary arrangements for its presentation in Geneva. In the event, he became stranded on a visit to the United States and was unable to join the handover ceremony; however, Rev Gwilym Davies did so in his place, accompanying WLNU Chair Major David Davies (who would later become Lord Davies of Llandinam from 1933).
Archives to be added shortly
International Workers Memorial Day, held on 28 April annually, commemorates workers who have lost their lives in labour but also those who fought for hard-won rights of workers past present and future (see TUC).