[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
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

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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.
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.
BARACK OBAMA