2024 Workers Memorial Day events April 24-29

UPDATED with Bellingham event (below).

Each year on Workers 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.

“The best way we can honor the people killed or injured at work is to recommit to fighting for safer workplaces,” said April Sims, President of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO. “If you have a union, you can join together with co-workers to demand safe and healthy conditions. If you don’t, you must rely on state and federal safety laws that, too often, aren’t enforced or have penalties that are too weak. Washington’s union movement will continue to fight to improve workplace safety laws, but if you really want a voice in making your workplace safer, form a union.”

Several Workers Memorial Day events are planned throughout Washington state during the week of April 28, including:

EVERETT — Wednesday, April 24 from 5 to 5:45 p.m. — The Snohomish and Island 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/LAKEWOOD — Thursday, April 25 at 11 a.m. — The Pierce County labor movement will join the Washington Federation of State Employees, AFSCME Council 28 at its Workers Memorial Day commemoration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (program at noon) on Thursday at Western State Hospital, 9601 Steilacoom Blvd SW in Lakewood.

OLYMPIA/TUMWATER — Thursday, April 25 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.

BELLINGHAM — Friday, April 26 at noon — All are invited to the Northwest WA Central Labor Council’s annual Workers Memorial Day commemoration from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday on the Lee Lawn between City Hall and the Public Library, 210 Lottie St. in Bellingham.

SPOKANE — Saturday, April 27 at 11 a.m. — The Spokane Regional Labor Council will host its 33rd annual Workers Memorial Day Ceremony at Spokane’s Mission Park (Mission and Parry). Get details.

If you know of more events in Washington, please contact us and let us know so we can add them to this list. The AFL-CIO has a list of events planned across the country.

Don’t see an event in your area? The National Council for Occupational Health and Safety offers suggestions on how to organize one of your own.