WHEREAS, Every year tens of thousands of American workers are killed by workplace accidents and occupational disease; and

WHEREAS, Millions of workers are injured or made ill annually, including tens of thousands who are permanently disabled; and

WHEREAS, Decades of struggle by workers, their unions, and their allies in the community have resulted in significant improvements in working conditions; and

WHEREAS, Forty years ago, Congress passed the United States Occupational Safety and Health Act, promising every worker the right to a safe job; and

WHEREAS, America’s labor unions and their allies have fought hard to make that promise a reality, winning protections that have made jobs safer, saving hundreds of thousands of lives and preventing millions of workplace injuries and illnesses; and

WHEREAS, The State of California recognizes the critical importance of the state’s own Occupational Safety and Health Act and related regulations, including the necessity of the vigorous and effective enforcement of those laws; and

WHEREAS, Since 1989, labor unions and their allies observe Workers Memorial Day to remember those who have suffered and died on the job, and to renew the fight for safe workplaces; and

WHEREAS, April 28 was chosen because it is the anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the day of a similar remembrance in Canada; and

WHEREAS, Trade unions and their supporters around the world now mark April 28 as an international day of mourning; and

WHEREAS, The State of California wishes to honor the hundreds of workers who are killed on the job every year in California, along with the many workers who suffer occupational injuries and illnesses in this state; and

WHEREAS, Concerned Californians are determined to prevent further tragedies by renewing our efforts to seek stronger health and safety protections, better standards and enforcement, and fair and just compensation; now, therefore, be it