WASHINGTON, DC?– Today, Representatives Donald Norcross (D-NJ) and Linda Sánchez (D-CA) introduced legislation to establish Workers’ Memorial Day as a federal holiday, honoring and remembering America’s workers who have been injured, become ill, or were killed on the job. Representatives Nikki Budzinski and Johnny Olszewski joined the lawmakers in introducing the bill. 

“As an electrician, I have had the unfortunate experience of witnessing hard-working Americans lose their lives on the job. I introduced the Workers’ Memorial Day Act to remember our brothers and sisters who passed away on the job and bring more attention to the need for safe working conditions,” said Congressman Donald Norcross, Co-Chair of the Labor Caucus. “We have made great strides in making workplaces safer, but dangerous working conditions kill and injure thousands of workers every year. Our work is far from over and as a co-chair of the Labor Caucus and lifelong IBEW union member, I will continue to fight for safer workplaces and stronger health and safety standards.” 

"Every day, hardworking people across California and the rest of the United States put their lives at risk. Tragically, more than 5,000 Americans die each year from workplace injuries and millions more suffer job-related illnesses,” said Congresswoman Linda Sánchez. “Workers' Memorial Day honors those who have been killed or injured on the job and reminds us to continue fighting to ensure safer working conditions for all.” 

The?Workers’ Memorial Day Act?establishes April 28 as Workers’ Memorial Day and designates the day as a federal holiday. For more than 50 years—since the enactment of the Occupation Safety and Health Act—the labor movement has observed Workers' Memorial Day. 

For bill text, click here.  

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