Statement of IUE-CWA President Jim Clark on Worker’s Memorial Day

On Monday April 28th, Worker's Memorial Day, we will honor workers that have lost their lives on the job.  Every year an average of 5,700 workers are killed on the jobsite throughout the United States.  Labor unions have struggled year after year to push for a safer workplace.  Though gains have been made, the toll of workplace illnesses, injuries and deaths remains enormous. In 2006 alone, 50,000 workers died due to occupational diseases, 4.1 million were injured and 5,703 were killed due to job hazards.

As you are aware, we have started a new aggressive Worker Health and Safety Audit and Workplace Improvement Program within IUE-CWA. Our effort for safe jobs has come on the heels of the Bush administration's refusal to act in the interest of workers, but only in the interest of the U.S. corporations which favor "voluntary compliance" over mandated protection with penalties that will force compliance.  With our success in the upcoming November election, we will change the direction of the country and once again move toward worker protection.  No family should have to fear that a loved one will be injured on the job or be lost forever due to a workplace hazard.

Yesterday I was honored to participate in IUE-CWA Local 761's Memorial for Michelle Rogers.  In January 2003 Michelle was accidentally struck and killed by a police car while serving picket duty.  Each year Local 761 President Tommy Spires holds a Memorial Service honoring Michelle and her family.  Michelle's mother and father, three daughters and a beautiful new granddaughter were present when a wreath with a guardian angel was placed on her memorial. My compliments to President Spires and his team for their leadership in this annual Memorial and I thank them for inviting me to attend.

I ask each of you to communicate the importance of health and safety in the workplace to your members and have them reflect on those we have lost on this special day!