Workers’ Memorial Day

04/27/2007

Minnesota union members honor workers killed on the job, highlight need for safer workplaces on Workers' Memorial Day

Rep. Walz to speak at Rochester Event, 9 AM, Monday, April 30

Union members across Minnesota are observing Workers' Memorial Day from April 26-30. They are honoring Minnesotans killed on their jobs by calling for tougher state and federal safety laws. 87 Minnesotans were killed on the job in 2005* (the most recent year for which federal statistics are available). Nationally, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 5,734 American workers more than 100 per week--were killed on the job in 2005.

Despite the clear need for safer workplaces, the Bush Administration has weakened worker protections at the federal level and the Pawlenty Administration attempted the same thing at the state level. However, legislators blocked the Governor's 2003 efforts to scuttle Minnesota OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act).

Minnesota Worker Memorial Day Observances:

Monday, April 30th,

· 8:30 AM, Rochester
District 6 MNDOT headquarters, 2900 48th Street NW.

Congressman Tim Walz is scheduled to speak at 9 AM.