FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 28, 2012

WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVED ON WALKWAY

Workers Vow to Mourn for the Dead, Fight for the Living

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Community members, labor leaders, faith leaders, and local officials gathered at the Walkway Over the Hudson today, April 28 for Workers Memorial Day to remember those who have been killed and injured while working.  Friends and family of those who died will gathered to remember those lost and called for greater awareness of workplace safety and stronger regulations and protections for all working people.

 “In New York State, 182 workers were killed on the job and another 154,200 were injured or sickened.  We will always honor those who were taken from us and we will never stop fighting for the lives of our fellow workers,” said Janette Clark, Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation Secretary and Public Employee Federation Executive Board Member.

“We’ve made jobs safer and saved lives – not just for union members, but for all workers.  Despite all of our efforts too many workers remain in danger.  But we will not stop fighting until there are no more news names for us to read,” said Adrian Huff, Valley Area Labor Federation and Principal Officer of Teamsters Local 445.

“Every job has the potential for tragedy, whether you are in the public or private sector, whether you are a firefighter or whether you are a nurse’s aide.  Every worker deserves a safe workplace.  No worker’s life should be put at risk for pay. Our jobs provides our paycheck, but safety takes us home,” said Billy Riccaldo, Vice President of the Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation and CSEA Southern Region 3 President.

“As a Union Ironworker, I have unfortunately lost members who were just doing their jobs.  On February 8^th, 2011, I received a call that my best friend, a Brother Ironworker, had fallen.  He was just doing his job, which he loved.  His name is Brett McEnroe. I miss my brother.  So today we recognize all those who have sacrificed for others and their families.  Let’s make a promise to ourselves; we set our goals for Zero Fatalities.  See something, say something, let’s all go home to our families,” said Mike Gaydos, Business Manager for Ironworkers 417.