Worker safety is one of the most important aspects of being a union member. On Wednesday, May 1, in a ceremony held at the IAM William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center at Workers’ Memorial Park, the IAM remembered those who passed too soon.
Every year, the labor movement observes Workers Memorial Day to remember workers killed or injured on the job and to renew the fight for strong safety and health protections. Each day, more than 340 workers are killed, and more than 6,000 suffer injury and illness because of dangerous working conditions that are preventable.
For over five decades, unions and our supporters have relentlessly strived to fulfill that commitment, achieving workplace protections and shaping federal and state regulations that enhance job safety and preserve lives.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act went into effect in 1971 after unions raised awareness of work-related deaths, diseases, and injuries. Unions organized and demanded safer working conditions, which have saved more than 627,000 workers’ lives since the act passed.
“Despite all of our progress, we are still reminded every year of the dangerous nature of our work,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “We are reminded that it is our union’s most sacred duty to ensure our members’ safety.”
Initially, we remembered only those who perished from workplace tragedies and occupational ailments. Now, the IAM also extends tribute to those who committed themselves to the labor cause or indelibly influenced our union’s legacy.
“We must continue to bond together to keep our families, coworkers, and neighbors safe,” said IAM Safety and Health Director Michael Oathout. “We must hold employers accountable to keep workers safe. We must fight to protect our fundamental right to a safe job.”
To watch the ceremony, click here. To view the full photo gallery, click here.
Fallen Members: 18Frederick M. Anderson, Jr. – TCU/IAM Local 6334James Balk – IAM Local 2777Albert Banks Sr. – IAM Local 1445Matthew Carter – IAM Local 4 Derek James Etzcorn – IAM Local 1635Bryan Fleigle – IAM Local 175Daniel Fumar – IAM Local 1781Sandra Grosberger – IAM Local 175John Hammerbacker Jr. – IAM Local 175Sherri Harrison – IAM Local 175Devvin Patrick Hasson – TCU/IAM Local 6004Otha “Jay” Jones Jr. – IAM Local 2003Kevin Lamond – IAM Local 175Robert “Jeff” Moore – IAM Local 18Robert H. Skinner – IAM Local 18Christina Smith – IAM Local 1635Danny Suafoa – IAM Local 2202/District 142Terry Trowbridge – IAM Local 175
Special Remembrances: 11Retired Business Rep for IAM Local 1769/District 75 – Charles Cooper Jr.Retired IAM Local 2003 Member – Carl “CT” DeanRetired GST Special Assistant – Steven DunnRetired Railroad Coordinator/General Chair – Mark “Flip” FilipovicGrand Lodge Auditor – Michael GonzalesRetired Western Territory Chief of Staff – Robert GregoryRetired Director of Legislative and MNPL – William HolayterRetired IAM Local 1125 Life Member – Wayne IhrigRetired Headquarters Resident General Vice President – George Poulin Retired Grand Lodge Representative – Jack SamsRetired IAM Local 777 Member – Terry R. Sutton
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