Workers Memorial Day 2019

Local workers, officials, and community members gathered at Zeidler Union Square on Sunday April 28th for a Workers Memorial Day Ceremony to commemorate workers who have died or suffered illness or injuries while on the job.

 Mark Pelzek (left), Vice President of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council and AFSCME Council 32, and President of AFSCME Local 47 spoke about work place safety in the public sector.

"Every American has the right to a safe and healthy workplace. Hardworking men and women putting in long hours deserve to know they're going to make it home at the end of the day," Mark said.

Over 75 people came to Zeidler Square to honor the 53 men and women who will never come home from their last day at work.

Representatives from both Senator Tammy Baldwin and Congresswoman Gwen Moore's offices brought statements from Washington DC.

County Supervisor Felesia Martin read a proclamation from the Milwaukee County Board. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and District Attorney John Chisholm offered remarks as well.

This year marks an especially urgent fight as the Trump administration continues to roll back and weaken protections and rights for working people. These actions have ranged from repealing or weakening standards on toxic chemicals and safety hazards, to cutbacks in enforcement, to efforts to eliminate key job safety research and training programs. Meanwhile, the administration has refused to take action on critical safety and health problems like workplace violence, silica exposure in mining and other serious hazards.