Workers Memorial Day: Oregon Labor, Elected Officials, and State Agencies Recommitted to Fighting for Safe Workplaces for All
- Oregon AFL-CIO
- Apr 29
- 2 min read
On Monday, over 100 workers, community members, faith leaders, and elected officials, including Governor Tina Kotek, attended Workers Memorial Day Services hosted by the Oregon AFL-CIO and Oregon OSHA in Portland and Salem.
Each year, OSHA releases the list of workers that died while on the job in the prior year. At least 46 workers died on the job or as a result from workplace injuries in Oregon during 2024; many of these fatalities were preventable.
“For many of us, we take that safety for granted,” Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor said at the services. “But for the families of the 46 names we will read today, an injustice has happened. Today we honor their loved ones who died simply trying to make a living and earn a paycheck.”
April 28 commemorates the day that the Occupational Safety and Health Act went into effect nearly 55 years ago, promising every worker the right to a safe job. The Oregon AFL-CIO, the statewide federation of labor unions representing over 300,000 workers, holds these services annually to honor the workers that died the previous year and reemphasize the need for safer working conditions.
“Today is a solemn day of remembrance as we honor the Oregonians whose lives were tragically lost at their workplaces,” Gov. Tina Kotek said. “Events like today serve to remind us of the responsibility entrusted to us. Let’s recommit ourselves to making working conditions safer and protect workers across the state and revitalize our commitments to creating safe and healthy workplaces.”
Workers Memorial Day is especially critical this year, as the federal government takes increasing moves to reduce safety regulations and cut funding for agencies that enforce safety laws. As the state’s labor federation, the Oregon AFL-CIO is calling for increased funding for safety agencies and stronger repercussions for employers who violate safety laws.
“We simply must do better to keep work safe for all workers,” Trainor said. “While we appreciate the support of elected officials and state agencies, every Oregonian has an opportunity to improve safety. Speak out against unsafe working conditions. Join a union to help negotiate better equipment and training.”
Worker safety is the responsibility of Oregon law makers and Congress, as Oregon Labor asks for increased funding and safety oversight and demands the restoration of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
The Oregon Legislature is considering bills this session pertaining to job safety, including measures that would codify staffing requirements in healthcare facilities, create reporting infrastructure within schools, and mandate finding an urgent solution to the problem of firefighting personal protective gear that contains cancer-causing chemicals.
Passing these worker safety bills is a prime opportunity for the Oregon Legislature to show working Oregonians that their representatives have their backs.
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