National Workers Memorial Day
What is it?
National Workers’ Memorial Day, observed annually on April 28, is a day of remembrance and action to honor workers who have lost their lives, been injured, or suffered illnesses due to workplace hazards. It also serves as a call to improve workplace safety and prevent future tragedies. The slogan for the day is “Remember the dead – Fight for the living.”
Quick Facts
- When is it?: April 28
- Tagged as: International Workers’ Memorial Day, Day of Mourning
- What’s the hashtag?: #WorkersMemorialDay
- When was it founded?: 1989
- Who founded it?: American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)
History of National Workers’ Memorial Day
The first Workers’ Memorial Day was observed in 1989 by the AFL-CIO. The date, April 28, was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) going into effect in 1971. This legislation marked a significant step in ensuring safer workplaces in the United States. Over time, the observance spread internationally, with Canada officially recognizing April 28 as a National Day of Mourning in 1991. Today, more than 80 countries commemorate this day to raise awareness about workplace safety and remember those who have died or been harmed at work.
Timeline
- 1970: The Occupational Safety and Health Act is passed in the U.S.
- 1971: OSHA is established on April 28.
- 1984: Canadian Union of Public Employees observes the first Workers’ Memorial Day in Canada.
- 1989: AFL-CIO declares April 28 as Workers’ Memorial Day in the U.S.
- 1991: Canada officially designates April 28 as a National Day of Mourning.
- 2001: The International Labour Organization (ILO) recognizes April 28 as World Day for Safety and Health at Work.
Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 28 | Monday |
| 2026 | April 28 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | April 28 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | April 28 | Friday |
| 2029 | April 28 | Saturday |
| 2030 | April 28 | Sunday |
Observe
Workers’ Memorial Day is observed globally with various activities such as:
- Holding moments of silence or multi-faith services.
- Laying wreaths or planting trees in memory of workers who have died.
- Campaigning for improved workplace safety standards.
- Organizing awareness events at workplaces to highlight preventable accidents and illnesses.
Fun Facts About Workers’ Memorial Day
- The slogan “Remember the dead – Fight for the living” highlights the dual purpose of honoring victims while advocating for safer workplaces.
- Over two million workers worldwide die annually due to work-related accidents or diseases.
- Events often include symbolic gestures like laying out empty shoes to represent lives lost at work.
Quiz
- When is Workers’ Memorial Day observed?
- What slogan is associated with this day?
- Which organization first declared April 28 as Workers’ Memorial Day in the U.S.?
- What year did Canada officially recognize this day as a National Day of Mourning?
(Answers:)
- April 28
- “Remember the dead – Fight for the living”
- AFL-CIO
- 1991
FAQs
Q: Is Workers’ Memorial Day recognized globally?
A: Yes, it is observed internationally, with many countries holding official events on April 28 each year.
Q: Why was April 28 chosen for this day?
A: It marks the anniversary of OSHA’s establishment in the U.S., symbolizing progress in workplace safety legislation.
Q: What can individuals do to observe this day?
A: Participate in local events, advocate for workplace safety, or take a moment to honor workers who have lost their lives or been injured on the job.
Related
- International Labour Organization’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work
- National Occupational Safety Awareness Week
- Canadian National Day of Mourning