Organize and Mobilize for Safe Jobs

Workers Memorial Day, April 28

On April 28, the unions of the AFL-CIO observe Workers Memorial Day to remember those who have suffered and died on the job. As we remember those who have died in workplace catastrophes, suffered diseases due to exposure to toxic substances or been injured because of dangerous conditions, we rededicate ourselves to fight for safe workplaces.

For 10 years, workers and unions have been fighting for an ergonomics standard to prevent repetitive strain injuries and back injuries. This year, we are closer than ever to winning these protections. Last November, OSHA finally issued a proposed ergonomics rule. But some employer groups and their Republican allies in Congress are waging a fierce campaign to block the standard from becoming law. We must redouble our efforts to win this important fight.

For decades, unions have led the struggle for improved working conditions and dignity and respect on the job. Unions have won laws and protections-such as the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the federal Mine Safety and Health Act-that have made workplaces safer for all workers. Union contracts have given workers a voice on the job. Across the country, hundreds of thousands of workers are organizing into unions, and workers' voices are becoming stronger and stronger.

One April 28, as we remember workers who have been killed and injured, we must renew our fight for the living. We must organize and mobilize for safe jobs.

On this Workers Memorial Day, we call for:

· A final ergonomics standard to prevent repetitive strain injuries and back injuries.

· An end to employer and congressional attacks on workers' safety and health and workers' rights.

· The right of workers to organize and join unions without employer interference or intimidation.

· Stronger safety and health protections and enforcement.

· Coverage for all workers under the job safety law.

· Stronger whistle-blower protections for workers who report job hazards and injuries.

· Fair and timely compensation for injured workers.

· The right of workers and unions to speak out for strong job safety laws and to have a full voice in the legislative and political process.

Observe Workers Memorial Day April 28

Decades of struggle by workers and their unions have resulted in significant improvements in working conditions. Nonetheless, the toll of workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths remains enormous. Millions of workers are killed or injured every year. The unions of the AFL-CIO remember these workers on April 28, Workers Memorial Day.

The first workers Memorial Day was observed in 1989. April 28 was designated because it is the anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the day of similar remembrance in Canada. Every year, hundreds of communities and worksites recognize workers who have been killed or injured on the job. Trade unionists around the world now mark April 28 as an International Day of Mourning.

On this Workers Memorial Day, American workers will mobilize and call for an end to the attempts to needlessly delay job safety protections. We will demand stronger enforcement and the freedom of workers to choose a union and, through their unions, speak out and work for safe jobs, respect and a better future.

What You Can Do On Workers Memorial Day

· Organize petition and letter-writing campaigns to Congress and the Department of Labor in support of an OSHA ergonomics standard. Petitions and sample letters are available from the AFL-CIO.

· Organize an action to put Street Heat on employers that are trying to prevent workers from organizing a union to have a voice on the job. Highlight the job safety problems these workers face and how the union is fighting for protections.

· Organize an action to protest employers and elected representatives who are pushing to weaken the job safety law, workers' rights and the ability of workers to speak out through their unions on legislation and politics.

· Hold a candlelight vigil, memorial service or moment of silence to remember those who have died on the job and to highlight job safety problems in your community and at your workplace.

· Create a memorial or shrine at workplaces where workers have been killed on the job.

· Urge your city council or state legislature to pass a proclamation designating April 28 as Workers Memorial Day.

· Organize a public meeting with your congressional or state representatives. Invite injured workers and their family members, who can talk firsthand about the need for strong safety and health protections, fair compensation and strong unions.

· Organize petition and letter-writing campaigns to encourage members of Congress and other elected officials to oppose rollbacks in worker protections and efforts to prevent unions from speaking out for workers' interests. Petitions and sample letters are available from the AFL-CIO.

· Write a letter to your local newspaper, call in to talk radio shows and talk to reporters you know about doing a story highlighting what unions are doing to improve job safety and health protections for all workers and how employer and congressional attacks endanger workers' safety and health.

· Organize a pledge campaign; have local employers or government officials sign a pledge committing to support strong safety laws and the freedom of workers to choose a union.

ORGANIZE AND MOBILIZE FOR SAFE JOBS

AFL-CIO Department of Safety and Health, 815 16th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006; phone: 202-637-5366; fax: 202-508-6978; website: www.aflcio.org