Published 28 Apr, 2011
Across the country on April 28, Workers Memorial Day, people will remember the workers who have lost their lives on the job at rallies, vigils, worksites, and houses of worship while demanding safe workplaces where people can go to work every morning knowing they will return home safe and sound.
Each year, thousands of workers are killed and millions more are injured or diseased because of their jobs. In 2009, 4,340 workers were killed on the job and another 50,000 to 60,000 died of occupational diseases. More than 4.1 million workplace injuries and illnesses were reported.
The unions of the AFL-CIO and people in hundreds of communities will remember these workers on April 28, Workers Memorial Day. Find an event near you.
These high rates of death and injury on the job are unacceptable and often due to company neglect and violations of safety and health laws. As the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) marks is 40th anniversary this year, workers and their allies have much progress to celebrate, but much more is needed to ensure people have a safe work environment. Under the Obama administration, OSHA is renewing its mission to enforce safety laws after years of neglect under the Bush administration, but these protections are threatened by budget cuts and attacks on workers’ rights. The recent threats to collective bargaining will only make jobs more dangerous as workers lose their voice and ability to push for stronger enforcement of safety standards.
Thus, the Workers Memorial Day events are part of TWU’s Workers’ Rights are Human Rights campaign and will kick-off the “Imagine No Workers” actions going on throughout the month of May when we ask the public and bosses to imagine life without the workers they rely on everyday.
On Workers Memorial Day we will remember those who have suffered and died on the job and renew the fight for safe workplaces. We will fight to create good jobs in this country that are safe and healthy. We will fight for the freedom of workers to form unions and, through their unions, to speak out and bargain for safety, respect and a better future. We will demand that the country fulfill the promise of safe jobs for all.