Washington, D.C. -— U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) voted yesterday to support H. Res. 375, a Congressional resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Workers’ Memorial Day.
The resolution honors and remembers workers who have been killed or injured on the job.
“My district and the Town of Garner have been changed forever by last year’s explosion that killed four workers and injured many others,” Etheridge said. “We must never forget this tragedy and work to ensure that every workplace in North Carolina is a safe place to earn a wage.”
On June 9, 2009, an explosion occurred at the ConAgra Slim Jim facility in Garner, N.C., killing 4 employees and injuring more than 70 others during the purging of a natural gas line. The workplace explosion had devastating effects on the workers, their families, the company and the surrounding community. Workers’ Memorial Day takes place annually around the world on April 28. It is an international day of remembrance and action for workers killed, disabled, injured or sickened by their work.
According to the North Carolina Department of Labor, in 2009 there were 34 worker fatalities statewide–a record low for North Carolina. At the same time, Congress and the state continues to work locally to eliminate all workplace accidents and fatalities.
“This bill and my vote for it honors and remembers those North Carolinians who have sacrificed their lives in the service of their families, our communities and our businesses,” Etheridge said. “Workers are the backbone of a strong American economy and we must keep them safe and productive.”