[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5448]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     OBSERVING WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 24, 2012

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with immense respect that I rise 
today in remembrance of the many men and women who have lost their 
lives in the workplace and to honor those who have fought tirelessly to 
improve conditions for workers throughout the United States. On April 
28, 2012, the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial 
Organizations (AFL-CIO) and union members nationwide will once again 
gather in various locations in observance of Workers Memorial Day. The 
great men and women of America's unions will pause to pay tribute to 
the many workers whose lives have been lost, and the millions who have 
become ill, due to accidents and unsafe conditions in the workplace. 
They will also reinforce their commitment to improving conditions for 
future generations to come.
  In the United States today, an average of twelve men and women per 
day go to work and never make it home to their families, having lost 
their lives due to an accident in the workplace. Unfortunately, many of 
these accidents could have been prevented. Under outstanding leaders 
such as AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, Indiana AFL-CIO President 
Nancy Guyott, and Northwest Indiana Federation of Labor President Dan 
Murchek, AFL-CIO union members have continued the flight of their 
predecessors to ensure that the lives lost were not in vain.
  Since the passage of the landmark Occupational Safety and Health Act 
(OSHA), the unions of the AFL-CIO have been instrumental in a movement 
toward the Act's goal that all American workers would have the right to 
a safe workplace. The AFL-CIO and its unions are to be commended for 
their contributions to the passage of OSHA and many of the subsequent 
laws and regulations involving workplace safety. It is because of the 
organization and demands of labor unions that employers and the 
government have acted to improve the quality of life of the American 
workforce.
  In Northwest Indiana, the steel industry has played a vital role in 
supporting our local communities and stimulating the economy. On April 
26, 2012, in accordance with Workers Memorial Day, United Steelworkers 
members will pay a special tribute to their fallen comrades whose lives 
have been cut short in the workplace. These fine men and women will 
forever be remembered by their devoted colleagues and a grateful 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me 
in observance of Workers Memorial Day, and in remembering the many 
workers who have lost their lives on the job, while honoring the 
hardworking, loyal men and women of America's unions who have taken up 
the struggle to improve safety conditions in the workplace. The great 
men and women of our unions are the finest representation of America's 
workforce, and I am proud to represent the many dedicated men and women 
of labor unions throughout Northwest Indiana. Their unwavering 
commitment to their fellow workers is to be admired.

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