Each year, on April 28, we observe Workers Memorial Day. This is a chance to honor the memories of members who were killed on the job in a work-related incident or who died from an occupational illness. Tragically, most work-related fatalities are preventable. Collective action is the best way to hold employers accountable and prevent future loss of life.
This Workers Memorial Day, we honor the memories of these CWA members and others whose deaths over the past year were work-related. We also remember CWA members who died from an on-the-job injury or illness in the past. They will never be forgotten.
Alberto Rangel, 51, a member of UPTE-CWA Local 9119, was a social worker at the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. Mr. Rangel was stabbed by a patient on December 4, 2025, and succumbed to his injuries two days later. UPTE-CWA union siblings continue to demand better safety protocols for medical staff in the wake of the loss of their friend and colleague.
CWA continues to honor the memories of Ian Epstein and Danasia Elder, members of AFA-CWA Local 23075 based in Charlotte, N.C., who lost their lives in the fatal crash of American Eagle PSA Flight 5342 on January 29, 2025. Despite setbacks, CWA political activists continue to push for critical aircraft safety systems through the ALERT and ROTOR Acts.
As we grieve those we have lost, we must do everything we can to pass critical legislation like the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act so workers can freely form a union and collectively bargain, and the Protecting America’s Workers Act to provide OSHA protection to the millions of workers without it.
Our job is never finished when it comes to health and safety protections at work. We must protect the rights we have won and keep fighting for safer working conditions in every workplace, industry, and sector. That is why on Workers Memorial Day we Honor Those Lost and Fight for the Living.
In Unity,
Claude Cummings Jr.
President
