Warning message

Please note that this page is from our archives. There may be more up-to-date content about this topic on our website. Use our search engine to find out.

Truro, N.S. On this the International Day of Mourning for workers killed or injured on the job, Canadas largest union has a message for the provincial government here in Nova Scotia: Its time to move from ads to action on healthier and safer workplaces.

Newly-elected CUPE Nova Scotia President Danny Cavanagh says, Twenty-seven workers were killed in Nova Scotia in 2004. This is simply tragic and tells us there is much work to be done by government, employers and workers themselves across this province.

While the ad campaign currently being run by the provincial government is a good first step, what we really need is legislation with some teeth in it, along with more enforcement officers to ensure those laws and policies are being adhered to, says Cavanagh, himself a municipal outside worker with the Town of Truro.

What works as we have seen from other jurisdictions around the world - is stiffer penalties for employers who are charged and found guilty of violating provincial health and safety laws.

Says Cavanagh, April 28th is a day set aside to reinforce our commitment to healthier and safer workplaces. While it started right here in Canada, its now recognized around the world.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees was instrumental in the creation of this important, annual event.

For information:

Danny Cavanagh, President, CUPE Nova Scotia, (902) 899-0775 (Cell)

John McCracken, CUPE Communications Rep., (902) 455-4180 (o)