From The PA. AFL-CIO

– “Thanks to the commitment and the support of thousands of volunteers and participants across Pennsylvania, we have transformed a nationwide observance into a global movement for safe jobs and putting human life above greed and profits. Safe jobs and protecting working men and women is important everyday not just on Workers’ Memorial Day. This has always been our priority and it should be everyone’s priority – labor, business and government,” President Bloomingdale said.

Events were held on various days across Pennsylvania in observance of April 28 the day designated in honor of fallen workers and rededicated to fulfilling the promise of safe jobs for every worker.

“While through our collective efforts millions of lives have been saved, as I speak 12 workers die every day in America as a result of workplace illnesses and injuries. The average penalty for a workplace fatality is only $5,000. We need stronger protections and stiffer penalties, including criminal prosecution for intentional acts, that injure or kill workers. We will continue holding these memorials to “Mourn the Dead and Fight for the living” until every job is a safe job,” Secretary-Treasurer Snyder said.

The final Workers’ Memorial observance will be held in Johnstown, organized by the Greater Johnstown Regional Central Labor Council. It will be the 26th Annual Workers Memorial Day Banquet on Friday evening, May 1, and will include a brief interfaith service and the awarding of scholarships in the Annual Workers Memorial Day Essay Contest sponsored by the Johnstown CLC.

Source: http://www.paaflcio.org/?p=5941