Workers’ Memorial Day falls on April 28, and AFGE salutes federal employees who put their lives on the line every single day and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. We vow to continue to fight for safer working conditions for every government employee.
Most Americans often do not think about the danger government workers experience every day. But when workers in the Border Patrol, the Bureau of Prisons, the TSA, the Federal Protective Service (FPS), the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense and many others clock in for work, they do so knowing that they could get hurt or even killed.
Men and women in the federal workforce put their lives on the line each day to keep communities and the nation safe. Because of their sacrifice, the worst criminals in the country are kept behind bars; Americans can fly and travel safely; and, veterans get the best health care in the country. Because of these dedicated government employees, federal buildings, installations, and the nation's borders are secure.
Correctional officers like Eric Williams, Jose Rivera and Osvaldo Albarati have been killed by the inmates they supervised. Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) protect travelers and, in the tragic case of Gerardo Hernandez, have been killed while performing their duties. Border Patrol agents find themselves at risk when protecting the nation's borders. FPS officers are often the first ones in harm's way as they work keep others safe at federal facilities. These men and women deserve the safest working conditions that can be provided.
AFGE is fighting for safer worksites and greater representation. The union has stood up and demanded that correctional officers have access to equipment storage lockers for their weapons while they're at work and that they are equipped with pepper spray to defend themselves. AFGE had advocated that TSA create a new, highly-trained law enforcement unit within the agency to provide security at checkpoints and other locations to protect our TSOs and travelers. The union also advocates for more staffing for the FPS and the VA to assist in emergencies.
Join AFGE and stand up for these outstanding workers. By standing in solidarity and taking action we can honor those workers that have died serving our country, and make our workplaces safer for the workers who protect us.