PDF Version

This year on April 28th, as we have done since 1926, please join your co-workers and all workers to honor the workers who have been killed or injured and fight until the promise of safe jobs is a reality.

What You Can Do on Workers’ Memorial Day:

Teamster members across the country can conduct various activities to honor and remember those who have lost their lives in the workplace. Teamsters are encouraged to participate in events that labor councils in each state may hold. You can also coordinate activities with the Committees on Occupational Safety and Health (COSH groups), a network of non-profit organizations around the United States that advocate for worker safety and health.

Please report any activities you participate in and send along with any pictures (preferably digital) to the Teamsters Safety and Health Department so that we may publicize the event in Division newsletters and by other means. Ways to participate during the COVID-19 pandemic include:

• Coordinating a moment of silence to remember those who have died on the job and highlight job safety problems in your community and workplace.
• Recording a video to highlight the job safety and health problems in your community or workplace and how the union is fighting to improve protections.
• Laying a wreath at memorials and at workplaces in communities where workers have been killed on the job. “A Collection of Workers’ Memorials” is a document on the Teamsters website where you can find a memorial close to you.
• Planting a tree (with a dedication plaque) in remembrance of members who died in the workplace.
• Flying flags at half-mast at your workplace and union hall.
• Wearing black ribbons or armbands at your workplace.
• Creating and publishing digital fliers on social media and organizing a call-in to congressional representatives during lunchtimes or break times. Tell your members of Congress to support stronger safety and health regulations and worker safety and health protections.
• Creating a photographic book or other mixed media artwork highlighting images of injured workers discussing firsthand the need for strong safety and health precautions. Send this digital media work to members of Congress, local and state politicians, local religious leaders, and other allies to participate in the call to action; and
• Write a letter to the editor of your local paper. Talk to print and TV reporters you know and encourage them to write a story about dangerous work conditions and inadequate job safety protections.

Note: Due to the continuing, though diminished, risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, please safeguard your health and that of your fellow brothers and sisters by observing reasonable caution, as recommended by health officials in your community. Digital media platforms can be effectively combined with in-person gatherings.

For additional assistance, contact the Teamsters Safety and Health Department,
25 Louisiana Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Phone: 202-624-6960; Fax: 202-624-8740, ibtsafety@teamster.org.