Celebrate Workers Memorial Day April 28

April 23, 2009 – The IAFF is encouraging its affiliates and members to organize activities and observances for Workers Memorial Day on April 28. The labor movement observes the day to remember workers who have been killed or injured on the job and to renew the fight for strong safety and health protections. This year’s theme is “Good Jobs. Safe Jobs. Give Workers a Voice for a Change.”

“On-the-job safety has long been a priority for the IAFF and its members,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “This day not only calls attention to the importance of following safe fire fighting procedures, but it also reinforces the need to advocate for improvements in working conditions and training.”

To assist IAFF members and other union workers in any planned activities or events, the AFL-CIO provides a variety of materials online, including fact sheets, sample posts and other information on safety and health statistics.

April 28 is observed each year as Workers Memorial Day because of the anniversary of the enactment of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. A similar remembrance in Canada began in 1984.