April 28 is Workers’ Memorial Day, a worldwide day of remembrance for workers killed, disabled or injured by their work. In addition to honoring and remembering those who have suffered, the day is also dedicated to highlighting the preventable nature of most workplace accidents and to fight for new laws and regulations on workplace safety.
That’s why almost two years ago SEIU and other organizations dedicated to improving workplace safety celebrated when President Obama issued the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces executive order—which required companies that receive contracts from the federal government to disclose their record of labor law violations—including violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act—as a condition for receiving new contracts. The Office of Management and Budget is about to approve the final rules that would implement the order.
Sadly, many large companies continue to win contracts despite a history of labor law violations, while their industry lobbying groups are pushing back hard against the new rules that would hold these companies accountable.
SEIU and its partner organizations are now saying enough is enough, and are urging the OMB to make fair pay and safe workplaces a reality. Every day American workers are injured or killed on the job, and as taxpayers we want federal contractors who endanger workers held accountable.
· Sign a petition asking the OMB to hold contractors accountable for violating workplace laws.
· Read a report from the Center for Media and Democracy on industry attacks on the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces E.O.
