On April 28—Workers Memorial Day—the UFCW honored workers who have been killed, injured, disabled or harmed in the workplace, and called on elected officials and corporate leaders to further protect the lives of America’s workers.
“Over the last several years, workers across the country, both union and non-union, have stared down unprecedented risk on the job,” said UFCW International President Marc Perrone in a statement. “Workers have been endangered by a deadly global pandemic, the ongoing epidemic of gun violence, and the indefensible steps taken by some legislators around the country to roll back workplace protections. Our union, which represents 1.3 million essential workers across the country, has felt the deadly, heartbreaking impact of these dangers. This Workers Memorial Day, our union stands with the families, communities, and coworkers who have lost loved ones.”
“This day reminds us that above all, the sacrifices and safety of the millions of workers who continue to risk their lives to keep our nation running should never be taken for granted,” Perrone added. “If our nation’s leaders truly intend to honor the lives we have lost, they must take action to further protect workers at every level. This means advocating for legislation that prioritizes workplace safety first, whether it is from the ongoing threat of gun violence or pandemic-related risks that workers still face. The UFCW will never cease fighting for meaningful improvements in workplace safety, both at the bargaining table and in the legislative process, for each and every single worker in this country.”