POUGHKEEPSIE – Labor union members and elected officials participated in a joint ceremony and march in Poughkeepsie on Friday to commemorate May Day; also known as Workers Memorial Day.
May
Day has long been a day for labor unions to demonstrate, worldwide
Timothy Rodgers, administrative organizer with 1199 SEIU, said May Day
is actually Labor Day for other countries around the world and in the
U.S. it is a day for labor unions to stand in support of workers around
the globe.
“It’s also a time for us to mourn the loss for anyone that
died in the line of work”,” said Rodgers. “There’s
major safety issues that are still going on today in so many different
industries; whether it be the trade industry, health care and things like
that. People are dying at work and that’s not ok.”
Assemblyman Frank Skartados, (D, Milton) said it is also important to pay tribute to those involved in the labor movement over the years and take time to recognize the contributions they have made.
“We’re here to remember and honor those that lost their lives on the job and of course, to re-emphasize the importance of the unions and the great work they have done to improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers and for all Americans,” Skartados said.
Participants also took some time to discuss worker issues like livable
wages, equal pay for women and workplace safety.
