Workers' Memorial Day - April 28, 2007

On April 28, 2007, CWA and the U.S. labor movement will once again celebrate and observe Workers' Memorial Day to remember those who have become ill, injured, or killed on the job, as well as to renew our fight for strong safety and health protections. Participation in Workers' Memorial Day - 2007 is of particular significance to CWA. During the last year, CWA has lost four of our members to workplace fatalities.  In addition, many of our members have suffered work-related injuries, illnesses, and "near misses," in some cases, suffering severe medical disorders because of these incidents.  

This year, the theme for Workers' Memorial Day is "Good Jobs-Safe Jobs: Protect Workers Now."  For decades, CWA, other unions, and the AFL-CIO have fought for and led the struggle for improved working conditions, dignity, and respect on the job.  By winning legislative and regulatory protections, unions have made workplaces safer for millions of U.S. workers.  By negotiating protective contractual provisions, CWA and other unions have improved working conditions and provided dignity and respect for our members.  However, particularly as a result of the Bush Administration's assault against workers, many workplace protections have been taken away.

We urge you to get involved on April 28 and organize actions, activities, and observances in represented workplaces and communities to highlight the toll of work-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities - making it clear that CWA and the entire labor movement will continue the fight for safe and healthy workplaces as well as the right of workers to organize for dignity, respect, and a better future.  As you plan your Workers' Memorial Day activities, please work with other CWA locals as well as your District/Sector Vice Presidents and AFL-CIO state and local central labor councils.

Workers' Memorial Day materials are available from the AFL-CIO.  For copies of these materials, go to the AFL-CIO's Safety and Health at Work website. Materials can be ordered on-line or by contacting the AFL-CIO Safety and Health office at 202-637-5367.

Please fill out the Report on Workers' Memorial Day Events - 2007 [Acrobat 42K] so that we may publicize your actions.