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Tuesday, April 28
Workers Memorial Day
APWU Web News Article #046-09, April 21, 2009
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On April 28 each year, the labor movement observes Workers Memorial Day to remember those who have been killed or injured on the job, and to renew the fight for safety-and-health protections. This year’s theme is, Good Jobs. Safe Jobs. Give Workers a Voice for Change.
More than three decades ago, with union backing, Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act and other legislation to establish safety and health standards to protect workers in every industry. Nonetheless, the toll of workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths remains enormous. Each year, thousands of workers are killed, and millions more suffer from job-related injuries or illnesses.
“After eight years of neglect and inaction by the Bush Administration, the challenges are great,” notes an AFL-CIO Fact Sheet [PDF]. “The economy is in shambles, major hazards remain unaddressed, and many workers lack basic protections and rights," it continues. "But now we have the opportunity to change the direction of the country, to strengthen job safety protections and to make sure that workers' voices are heard.”
“Workers Memorial Day is an opportunity for us to focus on safety and health on the job,” said APWU President William Burrus. “We will continue to fight to make workers’ issues a priority on Capitol Hill," he added, “especially the need to create good, safe jobs.”
