By Tanna M. Friday, For The Tribune
IRONDALE — During the City of Irondale’s regular city council meeting last week, Mayor Stewart presented a proclamation recognizing Michael Fernandez Haith, proclaiming April 28, 2022, as Workers Memorial Day.
“Michael will forever be remembered for his big smile, warm spirit, and heart for serving others,” Stewart read.
Following the tragic workplace death of Haith of Irondale, his family created a foundation in his honor, “The Michael Haith Foundation,” which operates under a group called Entrepreneurs on the Move. Haith died in September 2019 at Precoat Metal in Hueytown when police say he was pinned between two large steel coils.
“Every year, thousands of American workers are killed by workplace injuries and occupational diseases; and thousands more are permanently disabled; and concerned Americans, including members of Michael’s family, are determined to prevent these tragedies by observing Workers Memorial Day as a day to remember these victims of workplace injuries and diseases;” Steward read. “And renewing our efforts to seek stronger safety and health protections, better standards and enforcement, and fail and just compensation is essential to addressing this common issue; therefore, be it nearby resolved that I, James D. Stewart, Jr. Mayor of the City of Irondale does hereby proclaim Thursday, April 28, 2022, as Workers Memorial Day.”
Haith is a Shades Valley High School graduate and a father of two sons. If you would like to learn more about the foundation, email Crawford at agcrawford99@yahoo.com.