Statement by Edward J. McElroy
Secretary-Treasurer, American Federation of Teachers
on Workers Memorial Day

Washington, D.C. -- Going to work shouldn’t mean risking life or limb. Nevertheless, tens of thousands of working Americans get sick, injured or killed on the job every year. Safe workplaces are just as important as decent wages and benefits. Our nation should be a model for workplace safety where employees don’t have to fight and beg for a safe, healthy and clean environment. We need vigorous enforcement of laws that protect workers from unsafe and unhealthy conditions.

On this Workers Memorial Day, April 28, we remember those who have been killed or injured on the job and salute those who help to make workplaces safe and healthy.

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The AFT represents more than 1.3 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, paraprofessionals and other school support employees, higher education faculty, nurses and other healthcare workers, and state and local government employees.