Workers Memorial Day: Honor the Dead, Fight for the Living

Every April 28, the unions of the AFL-CIO observe Workers Memorial Day, a day to honor workers who have died or suffered illness or injuries while on the job.

At the forefront of this Workers Memorial Day is the COVID-19 pandemic—a major crisis for working people, our families, our country and the world. Now, more than ever, it is important we commemorate those we have lost on the job, renew our fight for stronger safety and health protections, and speak up for workers’ rights.

The most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that 114 workers were killed in Wisconsin in 2018 while on the job, and many more suffered from occupational diseases. This year, across our country, thousands more workers’ lives are being lost to COVID-19 because workers are not getting necessary protections like proper PPE, thoroughly clean and sanitized workplaces, and appropriate social distance at work -- which would save lives and stop the spread of this very contagious virus.

Join us as we honor workers killed on the job.

April 28 Workers Memorial Day Commemorations in Wisconsin

• Statewide Moment of Silence at 12:00 p.m. noon

• Share a picture of a burning candle on social media with the #WMD2020

• Join the Milwaukee Area Labor Council for a virtual Workers Memorial Day Event at 5:30 p.m. Details here.

• The South Central Federation of Labor will distribute a video message from workers and allies to fellow unions and the press on the morning of Tuesday, April 28

• The Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO will live stream a commemoration on Facebook at 10:00 a.m. An edited video version of the event will be available later in the day.

• The Marathon County Central Labor Council will hold a moment of silence in Marathon County for workers killed on the job at 5:30 p.m.

On Workers Memorial Day, we come together to call for action on hazards that cause unnecessary injury, illness and death at work. We will stand united against the ongoing attacks on workers’ rights and protections, and demand that elected officials put working people’s well-being above corporate interests.

We will fight for the right of every worker to have a safe job until that promise is fulfilled.