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Workers Memorial Day

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On April 28, the labor movement will once again observe Workers Memorial Day to remember workers killed or injured on the job and to renew the fight for strong safety and health protections.


Fifty years ago, Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and more than 40 years ago, Congress passed the Mine Safety and Health Act, promising every worker the right to a safe job. Unions and our allies have fought hard to make that promise a reality—winning protections that have made jobs safer and saved lives. But our work is not done. Each year, thousands of workers are killed and millions more suffer injury or illness because of their jobs.

Corporate interests have taken over safety agencies under the Trump administration. Not only has progress stalled, but the administration has weakened or repealed key protections that keep us safe at work and slashed safety agency budgets and staff. Now, there has been no action to protect workers from infectious diseases like COVID-19, heat illness, silica in mining and exposure to toxic chemicals. The number of workplace safety inspectors has never been lower.

The labor movement and allies have fought back to block some of these attacks. We won permanent compensation for those made ill by the 9/11 attacks, and we are fighting for laws that would protect workers from preventable workplace violence, heat illness, asbestos exposures and the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping through our workplaces.

On April 28, the unions of the AFL-CIO will observe Workers Memorial Day to remember those who have suffered and died on the job, and to renew the fight for safe jobs. This year we will come together to call for action on hazards that cause unnecessary injury, illness and death. We will stand united against the ongoing attacks on workers’ rights and protections, and demand that elected officials put working people’s well-being above corporate interests. We will fight for the right of every worker to a safe job until that promise is fulfilled.

CONTENTS
  • Download Materials
  • Order Materials
  • Download the Toolkit
  • Download and Share Social Media Graphics
  • Submit an Event
  • Death on the Job Reports

 

Workers Memorial Day Events

Find an Event Here

While coming together to remember those who have lost their lives and to demand safe workplaces and good jobs for all workers, which are the centerpieces of Workers Memorial Day, extra precautions may be necessary when planning for any Workers Memorial Day event in 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The spread and impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States is constantly developing and could last for a long time. Please begin contingency plans to hold virtual or nontraditional events and utilize these resources when planning any event or gathering:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—Get Your Mass Gatherings or Large Community Events Ready for COVID-19
  • AFL-CIO—COVID-19 Outbreak Resources

Stay tuned as we continue to organize and demand safe workplaces during this public health crisis. If you have a nontraditional Workers Memorial Day event idea, please share it with us. Examples of events that incorporate safe public health practices include:

  • Organize an online campaign to call for stronger safety and health protections using our digital toolkit.
  • Hold a virtual candlelight vigil.
  • Host a phone call or webinar with elected officials in their districts.
  • Create a photo campaign on social media to remember workers who have been killed on the job and lift up the memory of their lives.
  • If you are working on the front lines during the outbreak, organize an event at your workplace to stand together to protect all workers' right to a safe job and hold your employer accountable for keeping you safe.
  • Come together in person once this pandemic crisis is over. As a labor movement, we Mourn for the Dead and Fight for the Living on April 28, and every day of the year.
Submit Your Event Here

2020 Workers Memorial Day Materials

Order Materials for Your Event

Download the 2020 Workers Memorial Day digital assets to use for your materials or event.

2020 Workers Memorial Day Communications

Letter from AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka
Workers Memorial Day Letter from AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka

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Planning for Workers Memorial Day Events During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Planning for Workers Memorial Day Events During the COVID-19 Outbreak

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2020 Workers Memorial Day Posters

A Proteger Derechos Poster

 

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Protect Our Rights Poster

 

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Flyers/Fact Sheets

Workers Memorial Day Flyer/Fact Sheet - English

Download - English Version

Workers Memorial Day Flyer/Fact Sheet - Spanish

Download - Spanish Version

2020 Workers Memorial Day Art

Speak Up for Safe Jobs. Protect Our Rights

 

Download

Mourn for the Dead. Fight for the Living

 

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A Proteger Derechos

 

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Honremos a los Muertos. Luchemos por los Vivos

 

Download

 

Download the Toolkit

 

Recent Death on the Job Reports

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Report

Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect, 2019

April 25, 2019
This report features national and state information on workplace fatalities, injuries, illnesses, the number and frequency of workplace inspections, penalties, funding, staffing and public employee coverage under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
Thumbnail
Report

Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect, 2018

April 26, 2018
A national and state-by-state profile of worker safety and health in the United States.
Thumbnail
Report

Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect, 2017

April 26, 2017
A national and state-by-state profile of worker safety and health in the United States.

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