FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, April 28, 2023
Media Contact: Aaron Pelo, apelo@miaflcio.org | 734.355.2741
State, Local Governments, and Labor Groups Across Michigan Commemorate Workers Memorial Day
LANSING, Mich. – Today, the State of Michigan along with more than 40 local governments formally commemorated Workers Memorial Day to remember workers killed, harmed, or made ill on the job and renew the commitment to fighting for stronger workplace safety protections. April 28th marks 52 years to the day since the Occupational Safety and Health Act went into effect, and is one of the most important observances by the labor movement nationwide.
“Every worker killed or injured on the job is a tragedy,” said Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron BIEBER, “and a painful reminder of the fight still ahead of us to ensure everyone can go to work safe and come home healthy. The recent uptick in workplace injuries across the country and here in Michigan is deeply disturbing and unacceptable. Across the state, local and state leaders recognize the urgency needed to address rising deaths and injuries on the job and are taking this formal step to recommit themselves to the fight.”
The AFL-CIO released its 32nd annual Death on the Job report earlier this week. The data shows an alarming uptick in workplace deaths and injuries, particularly for Black and Latino workers, whose fatality rate rose from 3.5 to 4.0 per 100,000 workers, the highest rate in over 10 years.
In Michigan, there were 140 workplace fatalities in 2021 and over 100,000 workplace injuries and illnesses. The report also underscores the staggering under-resourcement of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. At current levels of funding and staff, it would take 190 years to inspect each workplace once. In Michigan, there is just one OSHA inspector for every 65,592 employees.
The Labor Vision Podcast, the official podcast of the Michigan AFL-CIO aired a special episode for Workers Memorial Day with special guest MK Fletcher, a Safety and Health Specialist with the AFL-CIO.
The following state, county, and local governments have adopted or plan to pass resolutions or proclamations in recognition of Workers Memorial Day:
State of Michigan, Wayne County, Macomb County, Oakland County, Kalamazoo County, Ingham County, Allegan County, Genesee County, Tuscola County, Mecosta County, City of Detroit, City of Lansing, City of Warren, City of Sterling Heights, City of Dearborn, City of Westland, City of Pontiac, City of Eastpointe, City of Flint, City of Ann Arbor, City of Jackson, City of Kalamazoo, City of Portage, City of Battle Creek, City of Zeeland, City of Ishpeming, City of Negaunee, City of Port Huron, City of Saginaw, City of Romulus, City of Burton, City of New Baltimore, City of Lapeer, City of Clio, City of Algonac, City of Plymouth, City of Midland, City of Mt. Pleasant, City of Monroe, Township of Ypsilanti, Township of Waterford, Charter Township of Clinton, Village of Calumet.
View Governor Whitmer’s Workers Memorial Day proclamation here.
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