In the United States, thousands of workers die each year due to workplace injuries and tens of thousands more die of occupational illnesses.  It’s staggering to think that an average of 15 workers are killed on the job every day.

No one should be put in unnecessary risk in order to make a living or support their family. Work related deaths, illnesses and accidents are not acceptable. The bottom line is, everyone deserves a safe and healthy workplace. However, the threat of being permanently disabled or killed on the job is very real.

The purpose of Workers’ Memorial Day is two-fold. It’s a day for remembering those who have died, been injured or made ill by their work. It’s also about reflection. It’s a time to reinvigorate us in our never-ending campaign for health and safety.

It is our mission to make sure these workers did not die in vain.

We owe it to the 31 workers memorialized here. We owe it to their families. We owe it to the men and women working at this plant currently and we owe it to the next generation of workers. 

We can’t change the past, the fatalities, the injuries or industrial disease, but we can change the future for the better. If we don’t, who will? 

For the sake of those we have lost, on Workers’ Memorial Day and every day, we will embrace the spirit of Mother Jones and “Mourn for the dead” and “Fight like Hell for the living.”

In Solidarity on this Somber Day, 
Pete Trinidad Sr. 
USW Local 6787
President