Workers Memorial Day Remembers Those Lost on 9/11

This Workers Memorial Day has special significance. The September 11 terrorist attacks claimed the lives of thousands of men and women while they worked — 600 of them union members. “We cannot forget,” says BAC Executive Vice President Jerry O’Malley, “that when the terrorists struck, union members went into the buildings to save other workers. And union members — our members — were the first on the scene to assist with rescue and recovery efforts.” Several weeks later, terror struck again when postal workers and their patrons were maliciously exposed to anthrax.

As our country moves forward with plans to address these new threats through enhanced awareness and security measures, we cannot lose sight of the need to improve protections for all workers, and keep up the pressure on our elected officials.

Each year 6,000 people are killed at work, 50,000 die from occupational diseases, and millions more are injured. Just days after the September 11 attacks, the worst mine disaster in more than a decade killed 13 miners. Meanwhile, as unions and our allies fight for safer workplace conditions, some in the administration have joined with anti-labor forces to block and rollback needed worker protections.

On April 28, the labor movement will honor those who lost their lives on September 11, and all workers killed, injured, and made ill on the job. Together, we will organize, mobilize, and fight for safe jobs.