Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a proclamation declaring April 28, 2025, as “Workers’ Memorial Day.” The observance acknowledges and honors those who have lost their lives or sustained injuries at work and reiterates the commitment to ensure safe and healthy working conditions.
“On Workers’ Memorial Day, we acknowledge, remember, and honor all those who lost their lives or were injured on the job, and renew our commitment to securing safe and healthy working conditions for all workers,” the proclamation states.
Governor Newsom highlighted the importance of workers in California’s economic success, noting, “Our diverse workforce has helped make California’s economy the envy of the world, and the contributions of our workers help all Californians to live and thrive in the state.”
The proclamation reflects on California’s history of establishing worker safeguards, including the 1991 adoption of the Injury and Illness Prevention Program standard. In recent years, the state has enacted measures to enhance worker protection in various sectors. These measures include improving working conditions and wages for fast-food workers, safeguarding warehouse workers from unsafe production quotas, addressing unfair pay in the garment industry, and protecting stone fabrication workers’ health.
Governor Newsom emphasized the role of worker leadership in these achievements: “These vital efforts would not have been possible without the leadership of workers who have spoken out and led the charge for safer conditions for themselves and their co-workers.”
The proclamation concludes with a call to renew efforts to support worker welfare and assure a safe work environment for all Californians.
The Governor signed the proclamation with Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., Secretary of State, attesting.
