Protect Workers Now

Decades of struggle by workers and their unions have resulted in significant improvements in working conditions.  But the toll of workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths remains enormous.  More than 56,000 workers die annually from job injuries and illnesses and another 6 million are injured. 

Some groups of workers are particularly at risk, suffering very high rates of job injuries and fatalities.  These include Hispanic and immigrant workers, who often work in the most dangerous jobs and are exploited by employers, have no union protections and are afraid to speak out.

Unfortunately, the Bush administration has done little to address this pressing problem and other key safety concerns.  Instead, the administration has turned its back on workers and workplace safety.  Dozens of important workplace protections have been overturned or blocked.

Voluntary compliance has been favored over issuing new protective standards and enforcement.  And in the next four years, renewed assaults on the OSH Act and job safety programs are almost certain. 

At the same time, good jobs—jobs that pay decent wages and provide health care benefits and pensions—are disappearing.  Corporations are looking to export jobs and cut pay and benefits.  Workers are considered more expendable than ever.  Worker safety and health protections, rarely a priority for most companies, will be further threatened in a low-wage economy.

On April 28, unions observe Workers Memorial Day to remember those who have suffered and died on the job and to renew the fight for safe workplaces.  We will fight to make workers’ issues a priority and to keep and create good jobs in this country.  We will fight for the freedom of workers to form unions and, through their unions, to speak out and bargain for safe jobs, respect and better futures.  We will keep fighting until the promise of safe jobs for all workers is a reality.