Every year on April 28, the unions of the AFL-CIO observe Workers Memorial Day, to remember those who have suffered and died on the job, and to renew our efforts for safe workplaces. The struggle continues this year, as always, to create good jobs in this country that are safe and healthy and pay fair wages. All workers should be free to form unions and, through their unions, to speak out and bargain for respect and a better future. It’s time for our country to fulfill the promise of safe jobs for all.

Four decades ago, Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act, promising every worker the right to a safe job. That Act was finally applied to the Postal Service in 1998. Unions and our allies have fought hard to make that promise a reality – winning protections that have made jobs safer, saved hundreds of thousands of lives, and prevented millions of workplace injuries and illnesses.

But our work is not done. Many job hazards are unregulated and uncontrolled. Some employers cut corners and violate the law, putting workers in serious danger and costing lives. Workers who report job hazards or job injuries are fired or disciplined. Employers contract out dangerous work to try to avoid responsibility. As a result, each year thousands of workers are killed and millions more injured or diseased because of their jobs.

On April 28, please remember those who have suffered and died on the job, and please renew the fight for safe workplaces. Speak out for safe jobs.

Materials related to the AFL-CIO 2015 Workers Memorial Day can be accessed and downloaded at the member resources tab at the national website.