What is Workers’ Memorial Day? History, Timeline, and Ways to Observe

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Workers’ Memorial Day is an international day of remembrance and action to honor workers who have died or been injured on the job, as well as to promote safer and healthier workplaces.

Workers’ Memorial Day is an international day of remembrance and action to honor workers who have died or been injured on the job, as well as to promote safer and healthier workplaces. The day is observed annually on April 28th, and it provides an opportunity for workers, labor unions, and safety advocates to raise awareness about the importance of protecting workers’ health and safety, and to demand stronger regulations and enforcement of workplace safety standards. The first Workers’ Memorial Day was observed in 1984, and since then it has been recognized by governments, organizations, and individuals around the world.

History of Workers’ Memorial Day

Workers’ Memorial Day has its roots in the United States, where it was first observed in 1970 to commemorate the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), which was signed into law by President Richard Nixon on April 28, 1970. OSHA was created to ensure that employers provide safe and healthy working conditions for their employees, and it established standards for workplace safety and health that have since been adopted by many countries around the world.

In the years following the passage of OSHA, labor unions and worker advocacy groups began to use April 28th as a day to honor workers who had been killed or injured on the job, and to call for stronger workplace safety protections. The idea of a global Workers’ Memorial Day was first proposed in 1989 by the Canadian Union of Public Employees, and it was adopted by the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (now known as the International Trade Union Confederation) in 1991.

Since then, Workers’ Memorial Day has been observed in many countries around the world, often in conjunction with other events and actions aimed at improving working conditions and protecting workers’ rights. The day serves as a reminder that workplace injuries and deaths are not inevitable, and that employers, governments, and workers themselves all have a role to play in creating safer and healthier workplaces.

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Workers' Memorial Day

Workers’ Memorial Day Timeline

Here is a timeline of key events and milestones related to Workers’ Memorial Day:

  • 1970: The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) is signed into law in the United States, and April 28th is designated as Workers’ Memorial Day.
  • 1984: The first international observance of Workers’ Memorial Day is held by the Canadian Union of Public Employees.
  • 1989: The Canadian Union of Public Employees proposes the idea of a global Workers’ Memorial Day.
  • 1991: The International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (now known as the International Trade Union Confederation) adopts April 28th as a day to remember workers who have died on the job.
  • 1996: The United Nations’ International Labour Organization (ILO) adopts a resolution calling on member countries to observe Workers’ Memorial Day.
  • 2001: The European Union adopts a directive on the minimum health and safety requirements for the workplace, which includes a provision calling for the recognition of Workers’ Memorial Day.
  • 2003: The International Trade Union Confederation launches a campaign to make April 28th a United Nations-recognized day of remembrance for workers who have died on the job.
  • 2011: The United Nations General Assembly adopts a resolution recognizing April 28th as the World Day for Safety and Health at Work.
  • 2017: The International Labour Organization launches a global campaign to improve safety and health for young workers, with a focus on preventing workplace accidents and injuries.
  • 2020: Workers’ Memorial Day is marked amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on protecting essential workers and ensuring safe working conditions during the crisis.

How to Observe Workers’ Memorial Day

There are many ways to observe Workers’ Memorial Day, depending on the local context and available resources. Here are some suggestions:

  1. Hold a moment of silence or a candlelight vigil to honor workers who have died on the job.
  2. Organize a rally, march, or other public event to raise awareness about workplace safety issues and advocate for stronger protections for workers.
  3. Host a panel discussion or workshop on topics related to workplace safety and health, featuring experts, workers, and community leaders.
  4. Create and distribute educational materials, such as flyers, posters, and social media graphics, to promote Workers’ Memorial Day and spread awareness about workplace safety.
  5. Work with labor unions, worker advocacy groups, and other organizations to advocate for stronger workplace safety regulations and enforcement.
  6. Lobby elected officials and government agencies to prioritize workplace safety and health, and to take action to protect workers from injury and illness on the job.
  7. Conduct workplace safety training sessions for workers and employers, focusing on best practices for preventing accidents, injuries, and illnesses.
  8. Share stories of workers who have been impacted by workplace injuries or deaths, and highlight the need for continued action to improve working conditions and protect workers’ rights.
  9. Partner with other organizations and individuals who are working to promote workplace safety and health, and coordinate efforts to raise awareness and advocate for change.
  10. Use social media and other digital platforms to share information about Workers’ Memorial Day and encourage others to get involved in efforts to improve workplace safety and health.

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