Dear Commons Community,

Today, Tuesday, April 28, is Workers’ Memorial Day and a day to remember workers who have died or were injured on the job.  The theme for the day, “Protect our rights. Speak up for safe jobs,” has a deeper resonance during the coronavirus pandemic when even the commute to work is a health threat and some political and business interests are pushing for a premature end to social distancing.  You  will have an opportunity to express publicly your thanks for the workers who are working to provide healthcare, food, protection and essential services during the pandemic.

CUNY’s Professional Staff Congress (PSC) has sent a notice to its members that the vigils and gatherings that usually mark Workers’ Memorial Day here in New York are impossible this year, so the PSC will join the New York Central Labor Council (CLC) and its 300 affiliated unions for a city-wide online observance.

Throughout the day Tuesday the CLC will publish the names of deceased workers, who have died during the COVID-19 pandemic. New York’s  affiliated unions and their members are invited to share images of solidarity and appreciation for essential workers. 

Take a moment to share a statement or a photo expressing solidarity and thanks to other workers? It can be a photo of a handwritten note, a short selfie video, a sign drawn by homeschooling children, or just a few typed words of thanks. Social media users should post the images and messages today on their platforms of choice.  If you are not on social media, but wish to participate, email your message or image to fclark@pscmail.org, and the PSC will share it for you.

Yes, let’s remember our workers especially those who are risking their own lives and those of their families during this terrible pandemic.

Tony

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