For Immediate Release: April 25, 2013
Contact: Kerry Koonce
Telephone: (515) 281-9646
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Workers Memorial Day Honors Iowans Who Lost Their Lives in the Workplace
DES MOINES - Friday, April 26, 2013, Iowans will pay respect to Iowa workers who lost their lives while working in 2012. The ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m. at Iowa Workforce Development, 1000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines. In case of rain, the ceremony will be held in the Wallace Building Auditorium located west of the Iowa Workforce Building at 502 E. 9th St.
“Workers Memorial Day is a day to honor and remember Iowans who in the past year have died in Iowa's workplaces and serving in our Military. This is also a day to reflect on the lives that were lost and to renew our commitment to workers safety and health in the workplace” said Iowa Labor Commissioner Michael A. Mauro.
Unions of the AFL-CIO set aside a day each year as Workers Memorial Day. Labor Commissioner Michael Mauro and Iowa Workforce Director Teresa Wahlert will be joined by President Mark Cooper, SCIFL, AFL-CIO and President Ken Sagar, IFL, AFL-CIO. Also, State and Local Public Officials, representatives from various Labor Organizations and the public will be in attendance to honor those that have lost their lives.
During calendar year 2012, 46 Iowans died from injuries sustained while working and 5 Iowans lost their lives while serving their country in the military. Additionally, untold numbers of Iowans are injured from exposures in the workplace. The family and friends of the deceased have been invited to this annual ceremony.
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