April 28
National Day of Mourning
MORE THAN TWENTY YEARS AGO the Canadian Labour Congress declared April 28 a National Day of Mourning for workers injured or killed on the job. Every year since, unions, labour councils, families and community partners gather by the thousands to 'mourn for the dead'. What began through the efforts of Canada's labour movement is now observed in more than 100 countries. The day has now been recognized by Parliament and the Canadian flag will fly at half-mast on Parliament Hill.
MOURN THE DEAD
Each year over nine-hundred workers die in Canada* due to workplace injuries. In other words three workers are killed on the job each working day . It is of note that these statistics do not include the numerous workers that die each year from occupational diseases such as cancer.
Additionally, over 800,000 workplace accidents occur each year in Canada, with approximately 400,000 of these accidents resulting in disabling injuries. In other words, a Canadian worker gets hurt on the job every 9 seconds .
Despite these horrific statistics, governments in Canada are systematically weakening health and safety laws and refusing to provide the tools to enforce existing health and safety laws. Due to the effects of the liberalization of trade on a global scale, as jobs are outsourced to other countries with less stringent health and safety structures, pressure is placed on governments in Canada to either weaken existing provisions or be less stringent in enforcement, which allows employers to literally get away with murder.
DAY OF MOURNING ACTIVITIES
On April 28th, PSAC members should observe a minute of silence in our workplaces at 11:00 A.M. to remember our brothers and sisters who have been killed or injured on the job and to reaffirm our commitment to improve occupational health and safety and working conditions in our workplaces. Members should also ensure that employers have lowered the Canadian flag at the worksite to half mast.
On April 28th, PSAC members should also participate in local ‘Day of Mourning' observances organized in their communities by their local Labour Councils, Federations of Labour and/or Locals.
[Click Here for a list of Activities in your area]
FIGHT FOR THE LIVING
In our workplaces, all PSAC members should continue to press our employers for improved working conditions that provide for a healthy and safe work environment.
Report all workplace hazards to your immediate supervisor and ensure that your workplace health and safety representative is also aware of these hazards.
If possible, get active on the workplace joint health and safety committee or support your workplace health and safety representatives.
Participate in all PSAC health and safety campaigns in the workplace.
* In 2004 the Association of Workers Compensation Boards of Canada reported 928 workers were killed due to workplace injuries.