This year marks the 37th anniversary of the enactment of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

This act guarantees every American worker a safe and healthful working environment. Since 1970, 349,000 workers can say their lives have been saved since the passage of the OSHA Act.

Even with the OSHA Act the commitment to workplace safety has recently become sluggish with signs of a reverse effect.

April 28 is the day set aside by the labor community to honor those that have been injured or killed on the job. I strongly encourage a renewed commitment by employers and the labor community alike, to support a safe and healthy workplace.

Ways to facilitate this would be through a strong and active Health and Safety Committee at the workplace. Reduction in lost work time, improvement in morale and possible slowing of healthcare costs are all benefits with a safer workplace.

For the labor community, I also encourage a commitment to your local Labor Coalition.

The Central New York Labor Federation, Cayuga County charter, meets the second Monday of every month at the UNC.

Meetings begin promptly at 6:30 p.m.

It is a time to gather and acknowledge the labor workforce throughout the county.

I welcome all of the union members reading this article to become part of the solution regarding labor concerns. Workers' Labor Day has a motto, “Mourn for the Dead and Fight for the Living.”

Please take a moment on April 28 to remember all of those that have made your working conditions as safe as they are today, and consider participating in the continuing battle for that safe workplace.

Andrea J. Phillips

Auburn