Workers Memorial Day, 2021

In simple terms

President Biden proclaimed April 28, 2021 as Workers Memorial Day to honor workers killed or injured on the job. The proclamation commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, praises labor unions' role in workplace safety, and urges Congress to pass the PRO Act of 2021.

Federal Register Open PDF 86 FR 22833

Record & deadlines

Apr 27, 2021Signed
Signed by the President
Apr 30, 2021FR published
Published in the Federal Register · 86 FR 22833
Federal Register PDF
Apr 28, 2021
Workers Memorial Day observance

Key directives

Proclaim April 28, 2021 as Workers Memorial Day
Call upon Americans to observe with service, community, and education programs

What to expect

Immediate

Proclamation of April 28, 2021 as Workers Memorial Day

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

Proclamation frames declining union membership as directly linked to wage stagnation, a contested causal claim
Strong pro-union advocacy in ceremonial text may draw political criticism but carries no binding policy effect
Reference to 'wealthy corporations and Wall Street' uses class-based economic rhetoric unusual in ceremonial proclamations