Updates Workers Memorial Day
Wow, families from across the united states stormed into Washington DC April 19 and 20, 2012 -were not typical days for folks in DC. A historic alliance of families, injured workers and activists swept through the town with appeals to improve worker health and safety protections. Families spoke about their own personal losses and experiences and demanded change. The group of activists participated in a press conference, Senate hearing, meeting with OMB and DOL and fit in a protest rally at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to top it off.
Family members and workers came to DC to participate in the Senate HELP hearing and other related activities to put a human face on the statistics and demonstrate the impact of workplace injuries and illnesses and the need to move forward on -necessary protections and to strengthen enforcement.
At the meetings both family members and workers shared their
powerful and moving accounts; urging agencies to move forward on
needed rules. This reminded everyone that the delays in rules have
real impacts on workers. Families told them how frustrated they were
by the delays in key safety and health rules and urged them to do
their job and move forward
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on the silica rules and other rules without delay. "After three major
explosions, including the one my brother died in, and all the other people
killed, I just assumed that someone would do what was needed to fix these
problems, and I can't believe that here we are in 2012 and we still don't
have a solution" said Tammy Miser.
Many family members conveyed the pain of losing loved ones with so little consequences to those responsible for the deaths. Fines of $1,500 to $3,000 for fatality cases were cited. Families don’t want their friends and family dying in vain – they want something to be done to change
the system so that other families will not have to suffer the devastating nightmare they are living through.
Everyone, except the Chamber appreciated the opportunity to hear from workers and family members. Family members and victims poured their hearts out at every meeting and commanded attention and respect. Their written testimonies are available in the attached documents. Families from USMWF and workers from USW, Bricklayers Union, UFCW , NY PEF and others participated in the meetings as well as staff from National COSH, AFL and CTW Unions.
As we prepare for this year’s Worker Memorial Day activities, this reminds us of the impact of families of lost loved ones, injured or ill workers and all the groups fighting for more worker rights in health and safety can have to “Fight for the Living”.
USMWF Faces Campaign on video.
Message To The Bereaved
If you reached USMWF, you or someone you love has probably suffered the loss of a loved one due to a workplace fatality.
There is nothing anyone can say or do to ease the pain. The trauma
involved is beyond the “normal” grieving process. When a workplace tragedy occurs, there is a terrible sense of injustice, bewilderment, disbelief, sometimes anger – all combined with feelings of horror, loss and pain. This
is a confusing and conflicting array of emotions all while trying to
“come to terms with” the fact a tragedy happened. Often people feel
no one can relate to the tragedy of a workplace death and what you have been through. The grief and feelings of loneliness are
overwhelming.You are not alone! There are many others out there in the same position.
We know the devastation which takes place in the mind, body and soul. Your loved one is not forgotten – he/she is in the hearts and minds of many.
USMWF is a support group made up of empathetic families who have been
there. We can help bear the load. We strive to help you and others from having to go through both the grieving process and investigative process alone.
We can help you and your lost loved one have a voice.
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Featured in
the 2008 Public Welfare Report. Photo by
David Y. LeePlease excuse the website we are working on some areas and providing some updates. |
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