News

Workers? Memorial Day

26 Mar, 2015

The theme this year when CWA activists and other unions observe Workers' Memorial Day on April 28 will be "Speak Out for Safe Jobs. Protect Workers Now" as workers step up the fight for safe workplaces and remember fellow workers killed, injured and made sick on the job.

CWA President Larry Cohen is urging locals to mark April 28 by organizing actions to highlight the toll of work-related injuries, illnesses and fatalities. Workers' Memorial Day materials are available from the AFL-CIO at www.aflcio.org/WorkersMemorialDay.

Participation in 2015 Workers' Memorial Day will be of particular significance to CWA as we lost three members to workplace fatalities during 2014 and the first part of 2015. This year, we mourn the deaths of

Britney Byford, 19, of CWA Local 6215, Dallas, Texas, a U-Verse Technician for AT&T, died on March 18, 2014, as she was driving home from work after completing an assigned 17-hour work shift;
Bill Morton, 66, of CWA Local 6300, St. Louis, Missouri, AT&T technician who suffered a fatal fall while performing telecommunications aerial work on November 29, 2014; and
Craig Mathis, 55, of CWA Local 3519, Gulfport, Mississippi, AT&T facility technician who died on January 14, 2015, after suffering a heart attack, losing control of his company truck, and slamming into a utility pole.

In addition, many of our members suffered work-related injuries, illnesses and "near misses." Too many job hazards, including overwork, long hours of work, and requirements for emergency alert equipment remain unregulated and uncontrolled, resulting in the continued occurrence of injuries, illnesses and fatalities. We must work to ensure employers are providing our members with safe and healthful working conditions.

As part of our Workers' Memorial Day preparations, we are working to defeat "fast track." This fight is particularly important for CWA safety and health activists. Because of the TPP Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) provisions, passage of "fast track" and the Trans-Pacific Partnership could undermine any improvements in the Occupational Safety and Health Act. ISDS would allow multinational corporations to challenge OSHA regulations that affect a corporation's expected future profits. As part of Workers' Memorial Day events, activists will contact their Senators and Representatives, urging them to Vote No on "fast track."

Text TPP to 69866 to receive action alerts.

Please contact David LeGrande, Director of CWA's Occupational Safety and Health Department for more information. As you conduct activities, please complete and return this form, Report on 2015 Workers' Memorial Day Events, so we can publicize and report actions on the web.