Workers Memorial Day events across state honor the fallen

(April 24, 2015) — Across Washington state, Workers Memorial Day commemorations are under way to honor and remember those who were hurt or killed on the job, and to renew the fight for safer workplaces. In Everett, Washington State Labor Council President Jeff Johnson spoke Wednesday at the Snohomish County Labor Council’s annual commemoration.

“Each and every day in this country, on average 13 workers die on the job as a result of workplace injuries — women and men who go to work, never to return home to their families and loved ones,” said Jeff Johnson, President of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO. “It’s important that we honor their memory and their families, and that we rededicate ourselves each year to improving workplace safety and health.”

The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries has compiled a booklet featuring photos and thoughts from families about some of the state residents who died on the job in 2014. Although Workers Memorial Day is officially April 28, these events continue all week long. Here are the remaining commemorations scheduled in Washington:

SPOKANE — Saturday, April 25 at 11 a.m. — The Spokane Regional Labor Council, AFL-CIO will host its 26th annual Workers Memorial Day commemoration at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 25 at the Spokane City Mission Park, 1300 E Mission, along the Centennial Trail. WSLC President Jeff Johnson will be among the featured guest speakers. For more info, call 509-327-7637.

TACOMA — Tuesday, April 28 at 11 a.m. — The Pierce County Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO will hold its annual Workers Memorial Day event with Washington Federation of State Employees Local 793 at one of the most dangerous workplaces in the state –Western State Hospital, 9601 Steilacoom Blvd SW in Tacoma — from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, with a ceremony beginning at noon. Barbecue lunch will be provided, courtesy of WFSE Local 793. See the event flier.

BELLINGHAM — Tuesday April 28 at noon — The Northwest Washington Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO will conduct its annual Workers Memorial Day commemoration at noon on Tuesday, April 28 by the Workers Memorial Monument on the lawn of the Bellingham Library, 210 Central Ave.  For more information, see the Facebook event page or call Michele Stelovich at 425-931-6522.

OLYMPIA/TUMWATER — Tuesday, April 28 at 2 p.m. — The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries will host its annual Workers Memorial Day ceremony at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28 to honor those who have died in the previous year from job-related injuries or illnesses. The event will be at L&I’s Tumwater HQ, 7273 Linderson Way S.W. Click for details.

SEATTLE — Wednesday, April 29 at 11:30 a.m. — The UW Dept. of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences will host its Workers Memorial Day commemoration honoring those who died in 2014 from a work-related injury or illness in King County. It will be from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29 at the Student Union Building, UW Seattle. Click for details.

Also, check out the AFL-CIO website for more information about the significance of Workers Memorial Day and how you can get involved in the fight for safer workplaces.