LOCAL
Workers Memorial Day events set for Tuesday, Wednesday
(April 26, 2021) — With the ongoing COVID pandemic, the annual commemorations and observances of Workers Memorial Day to honor and remember those who have suffered workplace fatalities and injuries in the past year have mostly moved to the virtual space. This is happening at a time when the pandemic should be moving workplace safety and health issues to the front and center of our attention.
This year, Workers Memorial Day is also happening as the AFL-CIO and its affiliated unions mobilize to pass the PRO Act, so workers have a voice on the job. America’s labor movement is standing united to strengthen workers’ rights and protections, and to demand resources and actions needed for job safety enforcement.
Here are the Workers’ Memorial Day observances/commemorations happening in Washington state this week:
TUESDAY — The University of Washington’s Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences will host its annual Workers Memorial Day event on Tuesday, April 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. via Zoom or Facebook Live. April Sims, Secretary Treasurer of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO will be among the event’s speakers. Get details here, or go ahead and register here.
WEDNESDAY — The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries will host its annual Workers Memorial Day ceremony virtually from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 28 to honor those who have died in the previous year from job-related injuries or illnesses. Larry Brown, President of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO will be among the speakers at this event. Here is the department’s list of 2020 Worker Fatalities in Washington. Get details here.
WEDNESDAY — The Southwest Washington Central Labor Council plans to post a video commemoration for Workers Memorial Day honoring the local workers who lost their lives on the job in 2020. It will be posted on the council’s YouTube page on Wednesday, April 28.
WEDNESDAY — The Spokane Regional Labor Council also plans to post a video commemoration for Workers Memorial Day honoring the local workers who lost their lives on the job in 2020. It will be posted on the SRLC’s Facebook page on Wednesday, April 28.
WEDNESDAY — The Northwest Washington Central Labor Council plans to hold a virtual commemoration for Workers Memorial Day starting at noon on Wednesday, April 28. Check the NW Washington CLC’s Facebook page for details.
CHECK OUT THE UNION DIFFERENCE in Washington: higher wages, affordable health and dental care, job and retirement security.
FIND OUT HOW TO JOIN TOGETHER with your co-workers to negotiate for better wages, benefits, and a voice at work. Or go ahead and contact a union organizer today!
