Workers Memorial Day ceremony pays tribute to those who lost their lives in workplace deaths

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Local workers, union officials and community leaders met at Zeidler Union Square Monday to remember those who have died at the workplace or suffered illnesses or injuries on the job. 

The Workers Memorial Day event was hosted by the Milwaukee Area Labor Council. Their president tells us they're worried about job safety after cuts to federal safety inspectors. 

"When those investigators and people who enforce our workplace safety rules and regulations- those positions are gone or open, then we worry more about how it will be for workers in the future," said Pam Fendt, president of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council. 

According to the labor council, 49 Wisconsin workers died on the job in 2024. 

Each of their names was read aloud at Monday's commemoration.