Workers Memorial Day Promotes Workplace Safety
March 31, 2010
On April 28, the labor movement will once again observe Workers’ Memorial Day to remember men and women who have been killed or injured on the job and to renew the fight for strong safety and health protections.
The AFL-CIO has prepared packets of information—fliers, stickers and posters for local unions to make this year’s commemoration the most widely-recognized and effective one yet.
Millions of workers on our continent are out of work and facing economic despair. Advocating for job creation has become the primarily goal of our labor movement. But many jobs, including many in IBEW-represented sectors carry more risks than most.
“Good Jobs. Safe Jobs. Now” is the slogan for this year’s Workers’ Memorial Day. International President Edwin D. Hill says:
The best way to memorialize our injured and fallen workers on April 28 is to make certain that no employer is allowed to exploit difficult economic times to force workers into tolerating unsafe conditions. That means strengthening occupational safety and health laws and workers’ rights to protections that were eroded by eight years of neglect during the Bush administration.
It’s time to update and strengthen the Occupational Safety and Health Act, enacted nearly four decades ago, so that all workers are finally protected, penalties for employers who violate the law are more than just a slap on the wrist and workers can raise job safety concerns without fear of retaliation.
The Protecting America’s Workers Act introduced in the House and Senate will only be passed with the active support of hundreds of thousands of American workers.
The AFL-CIO and IBEW urge local unions to start now to prepare for Workers Memorial Day. Effective commemorations could include:
- Organizing rallies to demand the creation of good and safe jobs in your community
- Holding a candlelight vigil, memorial service or moment of silence to remember those who have been killed or injured in the workplace.
- Distributing fliers and organizing call-ins to congressional representatives to support the Protecting America’s Workers Act.
- Holding a public meeting with members of Congress in their home districts. Bring injured workers and family members who can talk firsthand about the need for strong safety and health protections. Invite local religious leaders and other allies to participate in the meeting.
To order materials, visit www.aflcio.org/shop or call 202-637-5024.
|
