Workers Memorial Day

Every year on April 28, the unions of the AFL-CIO observe Workers Memorial Day to remember those who have been injured or killed on the job and to renew our efforts for safe workplaces. Over the course of the last four decades, the Occupational Safety and Health Act and safety protections won by unions have saved hundreds of thousands of lives and prevented millions of workplace injuries.

But our work is not done. Many job hazards remain unregulated and uncontrolled. There are many employers that continue to cut corners and violate the law — putting millions of workers in serious danger and costing thousands of lives.

This year, under the guise of saving the Postal Service, via Senate bill S. 1789 and House bill 2309, some members of Congress are trying to deprive injured workers of their benefits. And business groups and the Republican majority in the House of Representatives are attacking stronger workplace safety measures and tougher penalties on serious violators, falsely claiming they kill jobs. They are pushing legislation to make it difficult, if not impossible, to issue needed safeguards to protect workers and the public.

We cannot and should not let them turn back the clock and destroy the progress we have made to make jobs safer and to save lives. We must impress upon employers and legislators that safety laws and regulations don't kill jobs: Unsafe jobs injure, maim, and kill workers.

This year we will fight to create decent jobs that are safe and healthy. We will stand up for the rights of injured workers. We will demand freedom for workers to form unions. It’s time for our country to fulfill its promise to make jobs safe for everyone. Please plan to support an event in your area.

Workers Memorial Day information and materials can be found on the AFL-CIO's Web site. APWU local and state organizations are encouraged to contact their AFL-CIO State or Central Labor Councils to locate events in their area. Suggestions on how to organize an observance can be obtained by calling the labor federation’s Safety and Health Department at (202) 637-5366.

Reports and photos of APWU participation Workers’ Memorial Day activities should be mailed to the APWU Communications Dept. 1300 L Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20005 or sent via e-mail to photos@apwu.org
.