BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Local labor groups including the Mass AFL-CIO are hosting a "Worker's Memorial Day" on the steps of the Massachusetts State House Friday, honoring workers who died from addiction and substance use disorder.
More than 500 workers across New England are participating in a 'job site stand down' as part of Building Trades Recovery Week. Organizers say construction workers make up a quarter of all deadly opioid overdoses.
Today's event also honors workers who've died in accidents on the job.
The hundreds of workers took a moment to commemorate 'Worker's Memorial Day.'
"It's just a great thing to come out and acknowledge those we've lost in the past. Very dangerous occupation," said Labor Steward Larry Norton. "Drug awareness, alcohol awareness, mental health issues -- when you combine it all with a sometimes high-pressure job, it creates a lot of habit."
Organizers hope this encourages those silently struggling to come forward and get help.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasNews) reports:
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