DES MOINES – Working families, faith leaders, and local officials will gather around Iowa, Friday through Monday, for a vigil to commemorate those who have perished or suffered injuries or illness on the job and to call on Congress to create safe jobs for all working people.
Workers continue to be exposed to toxic chemicals like silica, and serious safety hazards like combustible dust and workplace violence. Injured workers and relatives of workers who have lost their lives on the job will share their stories and renew the fight for stronger protections for all working people.
Black Hawk Union Council : Waterloo. A ceremony at the Black Hawk Labor Temple, 1695 Burton Ave. Waterloo, Ia. Starting at 5:30pm, Monday April 28, with a statement from Pres. Cal Eckhoff, followed by an invocation by Pastor Dave Glenn-Burns, the reading of the names of the people in Iowa who didn’t return home from work; followed by a light meal.
Clinton: Clinton Labor Congress will again be having a memorial service at Clinton’s Riverfront Park Monday April 28 at 1:30 PM. Several years ago we had a commemorative tree planted and the following year we had a concrete pedestal with a memorial plaque installed by the tree. We will have a program this year at this site with invited dignitaries present.
Cedar Rapids – Hawkeye Labor Council: The HLC will have a memorial at the Machinist local 831 hall on Monday April 28th at 5:00pm. Will McIntee will read a prepared statement from Bruce Braley . State Senator and Gubernatorial candidate, Jack Hatch will speak. Paul Iversen from the Labor center will speak, and Kelly Steinke President of the HLC. We will have munchies and beverages there after the service.
Dubuque: Dubuque Labor Council. Monday April 28, 5:30 PM at 1610 Garfield. Ken Sagar, President Iowa Federation of Labor will speak, as will other invited guests. There will be a releasing of Doves and Taps.
Iowa City Federation of Labor: Iowa City. Each year dozens of Iowa workers are killed and hundreds more suffer work-related injuries or diseases. Join us to remember those who died on the job last year and hear from workers and safety advocates who are confronting workplace hazards and renew our dedication to creating safer work places. April 27th at 2 PM on the Iowa City Ped Mall.
Quad City Federation of Labor: Bettendorf. USW 105 for Saturday April 26 . 10 am USW 105 Hall, 880 Devils Glen Rd, Bettendorf. April 26th. 10 AM at the USW Local 105 Hall, there will be a gathering in solidarity to honor fallen brothers and sisters. 800 Devils Glen Road, Bettendorf, IA.
South Central Iowa Federation of Labor – Des Moines: Friday April 25. 1000 East Grand, between IWD and Jesse Parker Building. 11 AM Speakers, lunch, Working Families Join Demonstrations Nationwide Calling for “Safe jobs save lives, keep the promise alive” on the 32nd annual Workers Memorial Day. This year is also the 43nd anniversary of the establishment of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the right of workers to safe jobs.
Northwest Iowa Labor Council: Sioux City. Monday April 28, 7 PM at UFCW Local 222 hall, 3038 S Lakeport St. Ceremony with bagpipe players.
The names of the deceased workers from 2013, will be read at most of these events.
