Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Each year on Workers Memorial Day, we gather together to remember those who have suffered and died on the job and to renew the fight for safe workplaces. During the ceremonies, we speak of the sacrifices made by these workers and of the families left behind and we are inspired to work harder on behalf of all workers.

Four years ago, we successfully launched a health and safety scholarship essay contest to inspire our youth to think about the importance of workplace health and safety, and of the consequences that arise when workers are forced to toil in unsafe working conditions.

We are planning to run the contest again this year, but need your help to make it successful. In order to offer monetary prizes for the scholarship winners, we are asking for donations from our brother and sister organizations. The Connecticut AFL-CIO Health & Safety Committee plans to award scholarships to three students with the best essays. Checks can be made out to the Connecticut AFL-CIO with a memo for “Essay Contest.” Contributors will be listed as Patrons ($1-$249), Sponsors ($250-$499), and Benefactors ($500+). Please mail to: 56 Town Line Rd, Rocky Hill, CT 06067

High school seniors will be asked to respond to one of three scenarios that will foster serious thought, some research and most importantly awareness of the true cost of workplace hazards on the lives of workers. This contest will help students think about the importance of organized labor in a way they have not before.

We are excited about this project that we believe will inspire a greater awareness of the importance of workplace health and safety among young workers and we look forward to the addition of their thoughts to our Workers Memorial Day events. Thank you in advance for your support and generosity.

In solidarity,

CT AFL-CIO Health and Safety Committee