On April 28, the Metal Trades Department joins the labor movement across North America in observing Workers Memorial Day—a day to remember those who have lost their lives on the job and to recommit ourselves to protecting the living.
First established by the AFL-CIO, this day stands as both a solemn remembrance and a call to action. Each year, far too many workers are killed, injured, or made ill simply for doing their jobs—tragedies that are overwhelmingly preventable.
This year’s theme, “Hold the Line for Safe Jobs,” reflects the urgency of this moment. Safety standards, enforcement, and training are not optional—they are the difference between life and death. Workers never trade their right to come home safe for a paycheck.
Metal Trades workers understand these risks better than most. From shipyards and military installations to manufacturing floors, energy and petrochemical facilities, our members perform demanding and often dangerous work that keeps our country running. Their safety depends on strong protections, rigorous training, and a relentless commitment to doing the job right.
That commitment was underscored just days ago, when Metal Trades Department President Dale M. Troll had the honor of addressing the HAMMER Training Center Steering Committee on April 23. His message was clear: high-quality safety training and a culture of prevention are essential to protecting workers and ensuring that every job is a safe job.
On this Workers Memorial Day, we honor those we have lost. We stand with their families. And we renew our fight for stronger protections, better enforcement, and safer workplaces everywhere.
We do this because every worker deserves dignity. Every worker deserves protection. And every worker deserves to come home.
Remember the dead. Fight for the living. Hold the line.
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