March 19, 2008
Each year, 6,000 people are killed at work. Another 50,000 workers die from occupational diseases.
Millions more are injured.
Yet the Bush administration has done nothing to address workplace hazards. Not one significant standard has been issued to protect workers since
President Bush took office and none are planned.
Monday, April 28 is Workers' Memorial Day, a time for Teamsters to remember and honor those who have lost their lives in the workplace, and to stand up to protect those on the job today.
Teamsters are encouraged to participate in events that may be held by Labor Councils in each state. You can also coordinate activities with the
Committees on Occupational Safety and Health (COSH groups), a network of non-profit organizations around the United States that advocate for worker safety and health.
Please report
your activities (and send along your digital pictures) to the Teamsters Safety and Health Department so that we may publicize them in division newsletters and
elsewhere.
Ways to participate include:
Holding a candlelight vigil, memorial service or moment of silence to remember those who have died on the job and to highlight job safety problems in your community and at your workplace.
Organizing a rally to highlight the job safety and health problems in your community or at your workplace, and how the union is fighting to improve protections.
Laying a wreath at memorials and at workplaces in communities where workers have been killed on the job.
Planting a tree (with a dedication plaque) in remembrance of members who died in the workplace.
Flying flags at half mast at your workplace and union hall;
wearing black ribbons or armbands at your workplace and organized events.
Distributing workplace fliers and organizing a call-in to congressional representatives during lunchtimes or breaks. Tell your members of Congress to support stronger safety and health regulations and worker safety and health protections.
Holding a public meeting with members of Congress in their home districts. Bring injured workers and family members who can talk firsthand about the need for strong safety and health protections. Invite local religious leaders and other allies to participate in the meeting.
Writing a
letter to the editor of your local paper.
Talk to print and TV reporters you know and
encourage them to write a story about dangerous work conditions and inadequate job safety protections.
For additional assistance, contact the Teamsters
Safety and Health Department, 25 Louisiana Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 (202-624-6960; fax: 202-624-8740).
