The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour – in partnership with the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia, Threads of Life and Nova Scotia province – has produced a television advert to mark the 28 April International Day of Mourning (featured below) . The Federation observed that “In 2018 there were 16 deaths in workplaces and several others died because of a workplace illness or disease. We continue to advocate for worker safety every day of the year.” More • Facebook
The National Day of Mourning, held annually on April 28, is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives, or suffered injury or illness on the job. This annual event was initiated by the labour movement 33 years ago to increase awareness of on-the-job injuries and fatal workplace accidents. This day of remembrance was officially recognized by the federal government in 1991, more than eight years after it was launched by the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) to raise awareness of on-the-job injuries and fatal workplace accidents.
While the National Day of Mourning is now recognized in over 100 countries, including Canada, and is observed each year, there is still a lot of work to accomplish to improve workers’ safety. A number of Canadian legislative provisions dealing with occupational health and safety are deemed exemplary internationally, but most Canadian governments have not provided the necessary resources to ensure they are applied.
At Canada Post, we’ve mourned the loss of workers. We’ve had to go through the grief and pain associated with the death of a sister or brother. This year, on April 28, the CLC will commemorate the Westray Mine disaster, in Nova Scotia, where 26 miners lost their life at work following a methane gas explosion. This tragedy led to the adoption, in March 2004, of Bill C-45 that provides for the attribution of criminal liability to organizations and their representatives who fail to abide by their health and safety obligations.
On April 28, we take the time to remember those who lost their lives, suffered injuries or became disabled on the job. We must all commit to continuing the struggle to force employers and governments to fulfill their obligation to make every workplace a safe and healthy one. We must also continue seeking stronger health and safety standards and protection, and better enforcement in our workplaces.
http://www.cupw.ca/en/national-day-mourning-%E2%80%93-april-28-2017-%E2%80%93-cupw-shows-respect
The Cape Breton District Labour Council will be holding a ceremony in partnership with CUPE Nova Scotia at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre, at 50 Maillard Street in Sydney. There will be laying of flowers (rather than wreaths).
For more information: Gordie MacDonald at (902) 578-3554 or email gordie.macd@hotmail.com
Canadian Labour Congress represents the interests of more than three million affiliated workers. CLC has started updating its Day of mourning webpages observing “The number of people killed at work each year in Canada has risen for the past 15 years.” CLC calls for an increase in enforcement stating “Enough is Enough. It’s time to enforce the law and bring employers who kill to justice.”
CLC also has published a 28 April radio advert and listing of events.
Plus de 1 000 travailleuses et travailleurs canadiens meurent chaque année. Au Canada, quatre travailleurs meurent chaque jour. Des personnes qui succombent à des blessures. Des personnes meurent du cancer. Des personnes décèdent après avoir été attaquées. Le Canada peut faire beaucoup mieux. Le Canada se doit d’appliquer la loi et de sauver la vie des travailleuses et des travailleurs. Assez, c’est assez! Le temps est venu d’appliquer la loi et de faire comparaître les employeurs meurtriers en justice.