This year’s National Day of Mourning for workers killed and injured on the job is just around the corner. CUPE is calling on members and locals across Canada to take action to fight for the elimination of injuries and fatalities at work. This Thursday, April 28, we encourage all locals to take part in area activities through your local labour councils and community organizations.
With seven CUPE members killed on the job this year—the most since 1998—the Day of Mourning is as important as ever.
Rex Hillier, co-chair of CUPE’s national health and safety committee, says the high number of deaths really underscores the importance of this year’s National Day of Mourning.
“They went to work and never came home” said Hillier. “That needs to be heard by our members and by employers, who can and should make our workplaces safer and healthier.”
This year marks the 27th anniversary of the Day of Mourning. The day was created through the work of CUPE’s National Health and Safety Committee, adopted by the Canadian Labour Congress and is now recognized in more than 100 countries around the world.
CUPE National President Paul Moist and National Secretary-Treasurer Claude Généreux will host a ceremony at the National Day of Mourning Honour Wall in the atrium of CUPE’s Stan Little building in Ottawa.
The Day of Mourning reminds us that we need stronger legislation and more enforcement officers to hold employers accountable for worker health.
Here’s what you can do:
- Use April 28 to spread the word and take action by bringing workplace hazards to the forefront in your workplace.
- Attend an event in your community or workplace on April 28. See the list below for information on some of the events taking place.
- Work with your union local stewards to start conducting regular workplace safety inspections. Help ensure you and your fellow workers are getting the best protection available.
These inspections can uncover hazards and dangers that could lead to workplace injuries.
Remember, workplace injuries and fatalities cannot truly be called accidents, and almost always could have been prevented.
