Workers Memorial Day - A Day to Remember and to Act
Workers Memorial Day - A Day to Remember and to Act
Tell your representatives to support the Protecting America’s Workers Act, S. 1244 and H.R. 2049
Saturday, April 28th is Workers Memorial Day, and workers and safety advocates from around the world will honor the thousands of workers who are killed or hurt on the job each year.
The day of recognition comes only days after a New York Times article revealed how the Bush administration has placed worker safety “in the hands of industry.” Under President Bush, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) “has killed dozens of existing and proposed regulations and delayed adopting others,” the Times said.
You can do something about it. Tell your senators and representative to co-sponsor the Protecting America’s Workers Act, S. 1244 and H.R. 2049. The bill would expand OSHA protections to millions of uncovered workers, enhance whistleblower protections and substantially increase penalties for serious, willful and criminal safety violations.
The first Workers Memorial Day was observed in 1989. April 28 was chosen because it is the anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the day of a similar remembrance in Canada. You can also look for an event near you today through Monday of next week. Below is a partial list:
La Crosse, WI - A new bronze plaque with the names of five people fatally injured on the job will be dedicated Saturday, April 28 at 11:00 AM in Green Island Park. Organized by the Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO Council.
Milwaukee, WI - In Milwaukee, Worker’s Memorial Day will be marked by ceremonies scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Friday at Zeidler Union Square Park, on N. 4th St. and W. Michigan Ave.
Long Island, NY - The LI Workers’ Memorial Committee will hold a ceremony Saturday, April 28 at 2:00 PM at the New York State Office Building, Veterans Memorial Highway in Hauppauge - (1/2 mile after the end of Northern State Pkwy or 3/4 mile North of Exit 56 LI Expressway)
Pittsburgh, PA - USW International President Leo Gerard and Rosemary Trump, President of the Pennsylvania Labor History Society will be joined by John DeFazio, USW Dist. 10 Director and others at a noontime ceremony in Market Square. The event, organized by the Allegheny County Labor Council, will highlight the contributions of Crystal Eastman and other women to workers’ health and safety.
Los Angeles, CA – The Southern California Coalition for Occupational Safety & Health and the UCLA Labor Occupational Safety & Health program are co-sponsoring a rally, funeral procession and speakers starting at noon at the USLA Downtown labor Center, 675 South Park View Street.
Sacramento , CA – There is a Workers Memorial Day Rally on Saturday, April 28, 2007 at 11:00 AM on the South Steps of the State Capitol Building.
Salem, OR – The Oregon AFL-CIO is hosting an event at noon, Friday, April 27th on the steps of the State Capitol.
http://www.fightbackamerica.net - United Steelworkers AFL-CIO.CLC