On Wednesday, April 30, the Labor Education Center will hold a memorial event for all workers killed on the job over the past year, including 18 from SE Massachusetts.  The daughter of one of seven Massachusetts fishermen killed in 2007 will speak.  Jennifer Patrao is the daughter of Rogerio Ventura, who was lost last year in the Lady of Grace tragedy.  Commercial fishing has been found to be the most dangerous industry in the country.  

Worker Memorial Day is observed every year across the internationally as well as locally.  The purpose is to honor the dead and renew our ongoing struggle for jobs that are safe.  Of the 80 Massachusetts workers killed on the job in 2007, many of these deaths could have been prevented had the employers instituted basic and often inexpensive safety measures. 

The observance will take place on Wednesday, April 30, at 7pm in front of the Labor Education Center, which is in Grp. 1, room 106.  This event is part of a worker health and safety class series sponsored by the Labor Education Center and the Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Health and Safety.

For more information, contact Kim Wilson of the Labor Education Center at 508-999-8781 or kwilson@umassd.edu.