Workers Memorial Day 2004

April 28th is Workers Memorial Day, where unions around the world remember those who have suffered and died on the job and to renew the fight for safe workplaces. The AFL-CIO is the lead organizer in the United States:

Regrettably, the Bush administration has turned its back on workers and workplace safety. Siding with its corporate friends, the administration has overturned or blocked dozens of important workplace protections including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration?s ergonomics standard and new protections on tuberculosis, indoor air quality, reactive chemicals and cancer-causing substances. Voluntary compliance has been favored over enforcement, and job safety programs have been weakened, leaving workers in danger.

At the same time, good jobs?jobs that pay decent wages and provide health care benefits and pensions?are disappearing. Corporations are looking to export jobs and cut pay and benefits. Workers are considered more expendable than ever. Worker safety and health protections, rarely a priority for most companies, will be further threatened in a low-wage economy.

Organizing materials and information on American events can be found here.

Events are also being organized in around the world. Check out the Hazards Workers Memorial Day website for more information.