(The following story by Jean Spenner appeared on The Saginaw News website on April 28.)
SAGINAW, Mich. — Workers from around Saginaw County will pause Wednesday — Workers Memorial Day — to remember those who have died from work-related injuries or illnesses.
United Auto Workers locals 699, 467 and 455 will join with the international labor community in observances.
UAW Local 688, which represents hourly workers at Saginaw Metal Casting Operations, 1629 N. Washington, a General Motors Corp. Powertrain Division foundry, conducted observances Friday.
On an average day in the United States, nearly 11,000 workers seek treatment in emergency rooms and about 200 are hospitalized from injuries or illnesses suffered while on the job, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded 5,524 fatal work injuries in 2002, the most recent numbers available. That was a decline of 6.6 percent from 2001, when 5,915 fatal work injuries occurred.
Union workers across the Saginaw Valley pause annually on April 28, the anniversary of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act, which passed in 1970.
Along with remembrances, the day also is to “reaffirm our commitment to ensure a safe work place for all working people,” said James J. Hurren, president of Local 467, which represents workers at Delphi Energy & Chassis Saginaw Operations.
Here are the times and places of three Wednesday observances:
— 11 a.m. at Local 467 Hall, 2104 Farmer in Bridgeport Township, for a moment of silence, lowering the flag and placing a wreath.
— 2:30 p.m., workers from Local 455, an amalgamated local that represents workers from 13 Saginaw Valley manufacturers, will gather at the entrance to Saginaw Malleable Iron Plant, 77 W. Center, for a moment of silence and lowering of flags.
— 4 p.m. at Local 699 Hall, 1911 Bagley in Saginaw, for a Veterans Committee color guard flag presentation, the playing of taps and prayers. The local represents hourly workers from Delphi Saginaw Steering Systems.