Trade workers honor those who killed on the job, call for safer conditions

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – Members of Wisconsin’s Building Trade Unions came together on Thursday for the Annual Workers’ Memorial Day Hard Hat Processional.

Hosted by the Wisconsin Building Trades Council, the event brought together workers from various trades.

The event honored the lives of workers who died because of injuries in the workplace.

It was also a call to continue efforts toward safer job sites and stronger protections for all workers.

Organizers said over this past year, 16 people died because of workplace-related injuries across Wisconsin.

Terry McGowan who is the president and business manager of Operating Engineers Local, said the number of work deaths could be much worse if laws were not in place.

“If we did not have agents who go out on these jobs and police who make sure things are safe,” said McGowan. “The numbers would be incredibly higher than they are right now.”

The processional started Monona Terrace and wrapped up at St. Partrick’s Church, where a service was held to hold those who have lost their lives.