[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 2, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 25859-25860]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-10714]


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                         Presidential Documents 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 85 / Wednesday, May 2, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 25859]]

                Proclamation 8805 of April 27, 2012

                
Workers Memorial Day, 2012

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                For centuries, American workers have called upon 
                boundless drive and initiative to raise our cities, 
                manufacture our goods, and build an economy that 
                remains the engine and the envy of the world. 
                Generations put their lives on the line to pursue 
                prosperity, braving the hazards of the factory floor 
                and the heat of the fields without protective equipment 
                or the right to a safe workplace. Through the unbending 
                conviction of workers, labor unions, and public health 
                advocates, we secured that basic right over 40 years 
                ago, helping protect Americans from death or injury. 
                Yet, despite the progress we have made, it remains a 
                deplorable fact that an average of 12 individuals die 
                on the job every day. On Workers Memorial Day, we honor 
                all who have perished, and we recommit to ensuring no 
                worker ever has to choose between life and a paycheck.

                Every year, more than 3 million Americans are injured 
                on the job. Some will never fully recover; some will 
                never come home at all. Tragically, many incidents 
                occur due to preventable hazards that cast our Nation's 
                most vulnerable workers into harm's way--in the mine 
                shaft, on the construction site, or at the factory. 
                This is unacceptable, and as we reflect on the terrible 
                burden these workers and their families have borne, we 
                must do more to fulfill the promise of a safe workplace 
                for all.

                My Administration remains committed to realizing that 
                vision. The Department of Labor and agencies across the 
                Federal Government are striving to defend workers' 
                rights, hold employers accountable, and empower 
                Americans across our country with the tools they need 
                to stay safe on the job. We are pursuing enhanced 
                whistleblower protections that will reinforce every 
                worker's right to raise their voice without fear of 
                retaliation. Over 2 years after the explosion at Upper 
                Big Branch Mine in West Virginia, we continue to 
                advance and enforce new standards and programs that 
                will help ensure that tragedy was the last of its kind. 
                And, through a variety of public-private partnerships, 
                we are collaborating with businesses, employees, trade 
                associations, and labor organizations to eliminate 
                workplace hazards and strengthen our competitiveness in 
                the global economy.

                When the Congress passed the Federal Coal Mine Health 
                and Safety Act of 1969 and the Occupational Safety and 
                Health Act of 1970, our Nation took great strides 
                toward safe and healthful working conditions for all. 
                Yet, when millions of Americans suffer workplace-
                related injury or illness every year, and thousands 
                lose their lives, we know we cannot give up the fight. 
                Today, we reflect on their sacrifice, and we rededicate 
                ourselves to protecting the health, safety, and dignity 
                of every worker.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim April 28, 2012, as 
                Workers Memorial Day. I call upon all Americans to 
                participate in ceremonies and activities in memory of 
                those killed or injured due to unsafe working 
                conditions.

[[Page 25860]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-seventh day of April, in the year of our Lord 
                two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
                sixth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2012-10714
Filed 5-1-12; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P