(La Crosse, Wisconsin) – On Monday, April 28, 2025, at 5pm, families and loved ones of workers across western Wisconsin will gather at Green Island Park in La Crosse to remember those who have lost their lives on the job and demand action to prevent dangers that cause unnecessary injury, illness and death.
In 2023, 5,283 workers in the United States died on the job. While this is a decrease from the tragic total of 2022, the reduction only slightly lowers the annual death rate, from one death every 96 minutes in 2022 to one death every 99 minutes in 2023.
A non-denominational invocation will be given by Ellen Rasmussen, Reverand at Oshkosh Algoma Boulevard United Methodist Church.
The solemn recognition of those who have fallen will begin with the reading of a proclamation from the City of La Crosse marking April 28th as Workers Memorial Day in the City of La Crosse.
No worker should give up their right to life and health while working. Yet, thousands of American workers die on the job every year. This year the stakes are even higher. Cuts by the current administration and so-called government efficiency agencies are increasing the risk of injury and death for every worker, while the federal agencies charged with investigating and mitigating occupational hazards and other threats are being drastically reduced. The ability to work safely, raise a family, get an education, and take time off to rest and recover are all at risk.” Mike Davis, President, WWAFLCIO
More than 1,000 workers in six states and Washington, D.C., are losing their jobs at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the federal occupational safety research agency. By shutting down this important organization, American workers will lose important safety nets and even more could die on the job. Every NIOSH research center is closing, and the few remaining employees no longer have the resources to do their jobs.
This event is part of International Workers Memorial Day, held annually on April 28th, with thousands of groups around the globe uniting to honor the fallen and to remind everyone that “One worker’s life lost is one too many.” The Workers Memorial Day theme for this year is “Fight for Our Lives: Safe Jobs Now.”
Enacted in 1970, the Occupational Safety and Health Act and Mine Safety and Health Act promises workers the right to a safe job. Nobody should break that promise.
WHAT: Workers Memorial Day
WHEN: Monday April 28, 2025 – 5pm
WHERE: Green Island Park, La Crosse
