Local 888 leaders were out in force for the Workers’ Memorial Day in front of the State House that spotlighted on-the-job deaths in Massachusetts – 74 last year alone.

The Boston event, sponsored by the Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health, featured speakers from labor unions and community groups and a moment of silence for those who died.

“We mourn for the workers lost this year, every workplace death is one too many,” said state AFL-CIO President Steven A. Tolman. “However, Massachusetts continues to be a beacon of hope this year, passing legislation extending OSHA safety to the public sector, which improves protection for hundreds of thousands of workers."

Al Vega, MassCOSH director of policy and programs, called for action on health and safety issues, including problems with the “gig economy” ‑ which often misclassifies employees as “independent contractors.”

Members interested in getting training on the new state OSHA standards should contact their union rep. or myunion@seiu888.org.