04/28/2026
Today, April 28th, we observe Workers Memorial Day. It is a day of solemn remembrance, but also a call to action. We pause to honor the memory of every worker who left for work and never returned home.
Specifically, we hold in our hearts the twelve IUE-CWA members we have lost since 2005 who lost their lives due to what were preventable hazards, falls, burns, and workplace violence. We grieve with their families, but we also find strength in our progress: In 2025, through our collective vigilance, we lost no members to workplace accidents. This is a testament to what we can achieve when we stand together.
Despite our successes, the national landscape remains unstable. Every day, fourteen workers across this country die on the job. The latest Death on the Job report from the AFL-CIO underscores the challenges ahead. This handout highlights the impact of the Trump administration’s policies, which weakened enforcement and rolled back critical protections. In an environment where safeguards are being stripped away, strong union advocacy is not just a benefit; it is a necessity.
Our membership is the most powerful tool we have against hazardous conditions and the suppression of our rights. We don't just ask for safety; we negotiate it. Through collective bargaining, we hold our employers accountable by: Ensuring health and safety committees are active and empowered.
Routine safety inspections and guaranteed provisions of accessible gear and PPE.
Securing the right to report hazards and the right to refuse unsafe work without fear of retaliation or discipline.
I am committed to protecting the lives and rights of every current and future member. However, I cannot do it alone. I urge you to stay vigilant, get involved with your local safety committee, and never hesitate to speak up. Your voice could save a life.
Together, we hold the line to build the collective power necessary to ensure that "safe jobs" is not a slogan, but a workplace fundamental right.
Today, take a moment of silence for our fallen brothers and sisters who should have returned home safely but did not. My heart goes out to their families today and every day.
In Unity,
Carl Kennebrew, President
