In Canada, over 855 employees die from work-related incidents each year, averaging more than 2 deaths every day.
The National Day of Mourning, held annually on April 28, was officially recognized by the federal government in 1991, eight years after the day of remembrance was launched by the Canadian Labour Congress. The Day of Mourning has since been adopted by 80 countries around the world.
The Canadian flag on Parliament Hill will fly at half-mast. We hope that the remembrance of those who have died because of unsafe working conditions will strengthen the mandates of employers and employees to establish safe conditions in the workplace for all. When we think of those dead workers, let us also plan safe workplace practices that will save lives.
Mike DePaoli, CUPE 391’s recording secretary, wrote a moving tribute in last summer’s Off the Shelf issue to those workers who have died in an unsafe workplaces. Mike participated in last year’s Day of Mourning events in Vancouver.
http://www.cupe391.ca/OTS/2006/OTS_summer_06.pdf
The BC Federation of Labour is sponsoring an event in Surrey at:
Bear Creek Park
King George Highway and 88th Avenue
10 a.m.