Worker Memorial Day events statewide this week

Each year on Worker Memorial Day, April 28, working people throughout the world remember those who were hurt or killed on the job, and renew our struggle for safe workplaces.

“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.”

Several Worker Memorial Day events are planned throughout Washington state during the next week, starting this Saturday in Spokane:

SPOKANE — Saturday, April 23 at 11 a.m. — The Spokane Regional Labor Council, AFL-CIO will host its annual Worker Memorial Day Ceremony in Mission Park in Spokane. For details, call the council at 509-327-7637.

SEATTLE — Wednesday, April 27 at 11:30 a.m. — Join the M.L. King County Labor Council for a Worker Memorial Day commemoration to honor those who have died in 2016 from a work-related injury or illness in King County. It will be at the Lyceum Room, Husky Union Bldg., UW Seattle Campus.

EVERETT — Wednesday, April 27 from 5 to 5:45 p.m. — The Snohomish County Labor Council will hold its annual Workers Memorial Observance at the Workers Memorial in the Mission Courtyard at the corner of Wetmore and Pacific in Everett. Get details.

TACOMA — Thursday, April 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Local 793 of the Washington Federation of State Employees will host a Worker Memorial Day observance on the grounds of Western State Hospital, 8903 Steilacoom Boulevard SW. WFSE has invited all affiliates of the Pierce County Central Labor Council to join them. Speakers and a solemn reading of the names of the Pierce County workers who died in the last year will begin at noon. Get details.

BELLINGHAM — Thursday, April 28 at noon — The Northwest Washington Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO will conduct its annual Workers Memorial Day commemoration at noon on Thursday, April 28 by the Workers Memorial Monument on the lawn of the Bellingham Library, 210 Central Ave. Get details.

OLYMPIA/TUMWATER — Thursday, April 28 at 2 p.m. — The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries will conduct its annual commemoration at L&I’s central building, 7273 Linderson Way S.W. in Tumwater. Get details.