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April 20, 2010
GOOD JOBS, SAFE JOBS, NOW: Workers Memorial Day 2010
On Wednesday, April 28, 2010, the New Jersey State AFL-CIO will observe Workers Memorial Day to remember those workers who suffered and died on the job and to renew our fight for safe workplaces. Nationwide, workplace injuries, illnesses, and deaths continue to persist and number in the thousands each year. In 2009, a total of 41 workers died in New Jersey. While this marks an improvement from 55 worker deaths in 2008, there is still a clear need for further reform and safety regulations.
We received a grim reminder of the safety issues that still exist across the country on Monday, April 5, 2010, when an explosion at the Upper Big Branch mine in West Virginia resulted in the deaths of 29 miners. The mine’s owner, Massey Energy, had a history of safety violations and federal inspectors found more than 60 serious violations at Massey operations since the catastrophe.
Avoiding future disasters will require public awareness of workplace safety hazards and stronger laws to protect workers on their jobs. The New Jersey State AFL-CIO supports the Protecting America’s Workers Act (PAWA) which updates the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) for the first time since 1970. The PAWA would extend OSHA protections to state and local public sector workers, federal workers, and others who lack full OSHA coverage. The PAWA would also increase penalties for job safety violations, enhance whistleblower protections, and require correction of hazards while employer contests of violations are pending. CLICK HERE for a PAWA fact sheet.
On this Workers Memorial Day, we encourage you to fight with us to create the jobs that were lost during the recession and to make sure the jobs we have are safe jobs. To use the immortal words of Mother Jones: “Mourn for the dead, fight for the living.”
Please CLICK HERE for a listing of Workers Memorial Day events that will be held throughout the state.