Events are planned throughout the state of Ohio on April 28, 2015 for Workers’ Memorial Day, an event held annually to remember workers killed on the jobsite.
In addition to honoring workers who lost their lives, the day also serves as a reminder that workers throughout the country are still fighting for improved safety on the jobsite, including better safety standards and tougher safety code enforcement. The date of April 28 is used to commemorate the 1971 establishment of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which is responsible for setting and enforcing workplace safety standards.
The following Workers Memorial Day events will be celebrated in Ohio on April 28:
Akron
2 pm
Walter L. Mitchell Building
1655 W. Market St.
The International Chemical Workers Union (ICWU) / United Food and Commerical Workers (UFCW) will hold a service to remember workers who have suffered and died because of workplace hazards and to renew the fight for safer workplaces. Also being remembered are the late UFCW President Frank D. Martino, and UFCW Secretary-Treasurer E. Robert Marlow, who fought for health and safety. This year, the service will feature David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), in addition to speakers from representatives of labor and government, as well as a representative from OSHA’s Cleveland Area Office. A period of silence and the sounding of “Taps” will follow the speakers.
Cleveland
Noon
The Cleveland City Club
850 Euclid Ave., 2nd Floor
Join the Cleveland City Club for a conversation with David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), as he discusses the current issues and trends in workplace safety. Tickets: $20 members/$35 nonmembers. Register online at www.cityclub.org.
5 pm
Progressive Field
2401 Ontario St.
The Cleveland Indians Workers’ Memorial Event begins with a parade around the infield. At 6 pm, David Michaels will throw out the first pitch. Tickets are $20 for Lower Box seating to the game against the Kansas City Royals. There will be a private space in the new upper right field Terrace Club with light snacks and Pepsi products. For more information, contact Elizabeth Lundblad from SCT at 440-449-6000 or Julie Weis from OSHA at 216-447-4194.
Elyria
Noon
Elyria Square – Downtown Elyria
A remembrance service will be held for those who lost their lives on the jobsite. The event includes guest speakers UAW CAP President Jim Sloan and Lorain County AFL-CIO President Harry Williamson Jr. A wreath will also be placed in front of the Workers’ Memorial Day monument.
Lorain
5 pm
Lorain City Hall
200 West Erie Ave.
Memorial service includes guest speakers Lorain County AFL-CIO President Harry Williamson Jr. and UAW CAP President Jim Sloan. The service will also feature a placing of a wreath in front of the Workers’ Memorial Day monument.
Mansfield
5 to 7 pm
United Steelworkers Local 169 Hall
376 Longview W. Ave.
A Memorial Service, sponsored by the Central Labor Council, will honor fallen Brothers and Sisters in the workforce. Joseph P. Rugola, executive director of OPSE-AFSCME and past president of Ohio’s AFL-CIO, will be the featured speaker. There will also be a representative from OSHA on hand. A State Honor Guard will help to open and close the event. Food and beverages will be available. Everyone is welcome to attend.
If we have missed a local Workers’ Memorial Day event, please email us the information at info@actohio.org.