Fallen IAM Members Mourned on Workers’ Memorial Day

The labor movement recognizes April 28 as Workers’ Memorial Day to honor the thousands of workers killed, injured or sickened on the job each year. It’s a day to mourn deeply personal loses, and also a day to strengthen our resolve to ensure workers everywhere are given the safest workplace possible.

The IAM observed Workers’ Memorial Day at its Workers’ Memorial on the grounds of the Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Southern Maryland. IAM Safety and Health Director Jim Reid presided over the ceremony.

International President Bob Martinez spoke about the importance of honoring the fallen and fighting to protect the living.
“Today we come together as a family, to draw strength from each other,” said Martinez. “And while we are here to remember the lives of these good men and women, we are also here to recommit to our obligation to create safer workplaces.”
The first Workers’ Memorial Day was observed in 1989. April 28 was chosen because it is the anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the day of a similar remembrance in Canada.