[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 84 (Monday, May 2, 2016)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 26095-26096]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-10312]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 84 / Monday, May 2, 2016 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 26095]]


                Proclamation 9430 of April 27, 2016

                
Workers Memorial Day, 2016

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The story of America is the story of its workers. With 
                faith in one another and hope for what their country 
                could be, generations of laborers fought, sacrificed, 
                and organized for the rights and protections that 
                workers across our Nation have today--including 
                requirements to protect their health and safety. Today, 
                we honor this legacy by reflecting on those who have 
                lost their lives in the workplace, and we reaffirm our 
                dedication to ensuring that people can work knowing the 
                fullest measure of stability, security, and 
                opportunity.

                In 1969 and 1970, two pieces of legislation of enormous 
                consequence forever changed the lives of workers across 
                our Nation. Passed by a Democratic Congress and signed 
                by a Republican President, the Federal Coal Mine Health 
                and Safety Act--which required Federal inspections of 
                coal mines, established processes and protections for 
                ensuring the health and safety of coal miners, and was 
                later amended to cover all miners--and the Occupational 
                Safety and Health Act--which created new standards for 
                worker protections in industries across America--
                represented milestone achievements for a cause borne 
                out of decades of toil and struggle. Spurred by working 
                men and women of every origin and background, the 
                movement for worker safety was inspired by a simple 
                notion: that those who contribute so much to the 
                economy and spirit of our country should have every 
                chance to share in its promise.

                Since I took office, my Administration has advanced 
                protections for America's workers. In 2014, I signed an 
                Executive Order aimed at cracking down on Federal 
                contractors who violate our labor laws, and in the time 
                since, we have enhanced our rigorous processes for 
                companies contracting with the Federal Government while 
                working to enforce and raise standards for employers 
                throughout our economy. We have implemented rules that 
                cut the amount of coal dust inhaled by coal miners, and 
                we have taken steps to protect more workers from 
                diseases caused by exposure to silica and other harmful 
                substances. And we will enhance our efforts to support 
                workers injured on the job, because if you are hurt at 
                the workplace after giving your all, you should still 
                be able to keep food on the table.

                The history of America's workers reminds us that, far 
                from being inevitable, the progress each generation has 
                known has been the result of the courage, 
                determination, and solidarity demonstrated by the last. 
                This Workers Memorial Day, as we join in solemn 
                remembrance of those who lost their lives undertaking 
                their labor, let us carry forward the vision of just 
                and safe working conditions for all of America's 
                workers. If we stay true to that essential mission, we 
                can deliver to our children and grandchildren a future 
                of ever greater possibility and security.

                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, 2016, 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 26096]]

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

[FR Doc. 2016-10312
Filed 4-29-16; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F6-P