On April 28, our union will observe Workers Memorial Day.
On this day, CSEA and other labor unions around the world will remember those who have died on the job.
Workers Memorial Day is also an opportunity to recommit ourselves to fighting to ensure that our workplaces are safe and healthy.
The AFL-CIO first observed Workers Memorial Day in 1989. The federation chose April 28 because that is the day in 1971 that the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration formed.
CSEA has long played a major role in ensuring safe and healthy workplaces. Our union helped lead efforts to pass the state Public Employee Safety and Health Act in 1980 that covers public workplaces in New York. We also led the way to state workplace violence legislation.
Our union also has one of the most comprehensive occupational safety and health departments in the country; staff experts provide guidance, education and action on numerous safety and health issues. Sadly, our work is far from done.
We also must use our voices to ensure that our employers are keeping us safe, whether that is through workplace safety policies, worker training or adequate personal protective equipment. Like so many other working conditions, it’s important we keep up the fight.
As we mourn the union members who were lost while doing their jobs, we should also honor them by making sure that no other family has to endure a needless, unimaginable loss.
As Mother Jones said, “Mourn the dead, and fight like hell for the living!” Let’s all remember our fallen sisters and brothers and commit to making safety at the workplace our highest priority, because at the end of the day, we ALL deserve to get home safely to our loved ones.
In solidarity,
Mary E. Sullivan, President
