Proclamation 9260-Workers Memorial Day, 2015
Issued 2015-04-27 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama issued this proclamation to designate April 28, 2015, as Workers Memorial Day. This ceremonial declaration honors American workers who have been killed or injured on the job. According to the proclamation, an average of 12 Americans lose their lives at work every day, and millions more suffer work-related injuries and illnesses each year. The proclamation calls upon all Americans to participate in ceremonies and activities remembering these workers.
The action recognizes workers across all industries—from factory workers and construction site employees to hospital staff—and acknowledges the historical role of American workers in improving workplace safety standards. It references laws passed over 40 years ago, including the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, which established the legal right to a safe workplace. The proclamation notes that while job-related deaths, injuries, and illnesses have decreased since these laws were enacted, more progress remains to be made.
This proclamation is a ceremonial observance that raises national attention to workplace safety. It does not create new laws, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on anyone. Instead, it expresses presidential sentiment on behalf of the nation and draws public awareness to workers who have died or been injured due to unsafe working conditions. Such ceremonial proclamations have been issued by presidents since George Washington and fall within longstanding executive tradition.
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Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9260-Workers Memorial Day, 2015" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to workers memorial. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2015 Proclamation 9260—Workers Memorial Day, 2015 April 27, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Across the United States, as dedicated Americans clock in at factories, walk onto construction sites, put on their hospital uniforms, and report to do the daily work that drives our Nation's progress, they give meaning to the simple yet profound belief that if you work hard and take responsibility, you can get ahead. However, each year millions of people have their shifts cut short by work-related injuries and illnesses, and on average, 12 Americans lose their lives on the job every day. On —Workers Memorial Day, we honor those we have lost and recommit to improving conditions for all who work hard to provide for their families and contribute to our country. Throughout our history, the American worker has labored not only to erect buildings and cities, but also to raise the standards of our Nation's workplaces. Through protests and picket lines, by organizing and raising their voices together, workers have won small and large victories that have pushed our country closer to ensuring safer and healthier jobs for all. Over 40 years ago, the right to a safe workplace was written into law with t