April 28, 2012
Day of Mourning Message 2012
April 28th is the National Day of Mourning observed every year to commemorate workers injured, disabled or killed on the job or who suffer from occupational disease. The Government of Canada officially recognized this day with the passing of the Workers Mourning Day Act in 1990 and it is recognized in over 80 countries around the world. The purpose of this annual "Day of Mourning" is to bring attention to the continued struggle of many workers to create safer workplaces, to remember our fallen brothers and sisters, and to renew our efforts to fight for all workers' right to a workplace free of injury and disease.
And yet, in a country as prosperous and progressive as ours, Canada still has one of the highest rates of workplace deaths in the industrialized world. According to the "official" national statistics, thousands of Canadians continue to be injured or killed every year because of their work - over 10,000 Canadians have died since 2000 because of their work. To make matters worse, these "official" statistics are widely regarded as under reported. This is simply unacceptable - no job is worth dying for - and every accident is preventable.
In workplace health and safety, the strength of our union comes from the training, experience and the care each and every member brings to the job. On April 28th, while we take pause to remember our brothers and sisters who have been injured and killed, it is also a time to recommit ourselves and our efforts for safe and healthy workplaces.
Related Content: