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Canada: Day of Mourning 2023: Workers’ empowerment key to workplace health and safety | Canadian Labour Congress #iwmd23

Day of Mourning 2023: Workers’ empowerment key to workplace health and safety

April 28, 2023

As unions across Canada mark the National Day of Mourning, the Canadian Labour Congress wants to ensure workers are empowered to know their health and safety rights in the workplace, defend existing gains and use the tools at their disposal.

April 28 is the National Day of Mourning, a day to commemorate those who have died or been injured as a result of their job. This year’s focus, “Know your rights; Use the tools; Defend our wins,” is aimed at supporting and empowering workers to actively participate in workplace health and safety.

“Workers deserve to arrive home safely at the end of the workday. We expect employers to do their part to keep workers safe, by upholding health and safety standards in the workplace, and providing necessary equipment and training,” said Bea Bruske, President of the CLC. “But we want workers to feel supported in standing up for their hard-won health and safety rights. We want to ensure that workers are empowered, not just to push back in unsafe situations, but to take an active role in the process of keeping themselves and their co-workers safe.”

Across Canada, there were 1,081 accepted workplace fatalities and 277,217 accepted lost time claims across Canada, marking a rise in cases from the previous year.

“One death is already one too many and it should be common sense that employers invest in proven prevention tools, like empowered, well-trained health and safety committees. Yet too many employers are quick to ignore their legal duty to provide safe working conditions and are willing to cut corners in the name of saving a few dollars,” said Bruske. “Make no mistake: we will always fight to uphold workers’ rights, and we won’t back down against anyone who would weaken health and safety legislation to appease businesses.”

Canada’s unions have long fought for better enforcement of existing occupational health and safety legislation, and the Westray sections of the Criminal Code of Canada.

Empowering workers starts with ensuring they know their rights, and how to apply and defend them. Workers should also feel supported in demanding better.

“The bare minimum isn’t good enough, and the stubbornly high number of worker injuries and deaths each year proves it. Employers and governments must respect their own duty to create safe work, call out unsafe work, and be part of a culture of safety and prevention. Workers deserve nothing less,” said Bruske.

https://canadianlabour.ca/day-of-mourning-2023-workers-empowerment-key-to-workplace-health-and-safety/

Canada: Day of Mourning Ceremonies 2023

April 28th is the labour movement’s most solemn day, but also one to refocus our commitment to prevent future workplace injuries and deaths. Every year, thousands of workers, friends and families of fallen workers gather at ceremonies across Canada to recognize the National Day of Mourning for workers killed or injured on the job.

This year, we will gather in communities across the country. As we mourn for the dead, the Canadian Labour Congress continues to fight for the living.

Find an event near you:

Atlantic Region

Newfoundland and Labrador

St. John’s & District Labour Council
Day of Mourning Wreath Laying Ceremony
NL Confederation Bldg, 100 Prince Philip Drive, St.John’s
April 28, 2023, 12:00 p.m.
Contact: Patrick Dunne 709-763-4091
SJDLC709NL@gmail.com

Corner Brook & District Labour Council
Day of Mourning Wreath Laying Ceremony
Holy Redeemer Cathedral, 15 Mt. Bernard Ave, Corner Brook
April 28, 2023, 2:00 p.m.
Contact: Jim O’Neill 709-634-3695
jloneill@nf.sympatico.ca

Labrador West & District Labour Council
Day of Mourning Wreath Laying Ceremony
5795 USW Union Hall, 105 Hudson Dr, Labrador City
April 28, 2023, 4:00 p.m.
Contact: Claude Gray, 709-944-1014
c_mgray@hotmail.com

Grand Falls Windsor Day of Mourning Committee
Day of Mourning Wreath Laying Ceremony
Grand Falls Windsor Forestry Workers Memorial, Lincoln Road
April 28, 2023, 12:00 p.m.
Contact: David Hillier, 709-290-4907
davidhillier@gmail.com

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island Federation of Labour
Day of Mourning Wreath Laying Ceremony
St. Paul’s Hall, 101 Prince Street, Charlottetown
April 28, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.
Contact: Carl Pursey, PEI Federation of Labour President
peifed@pei.aibn.com

New Brunswick

Saint John and District Labour Council
Day of Mourning Wreath Laying Ceremony
Frank and Ella Hatheway Labour Exhibit Centre
55 Lake Dr S, Saint John, NB E2K 5S3
April 28, 2023, 12:00 p.m.
Contact: Pat Riley, longsure273@gmail.com

Moncton & District Labour Council
Day of Mourning Ceremony
Cenotaph in Bore Park (Riverfront)
April 28, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. (Noon)
Contact: Melissa Brown 506-872-4643 melandiade@hotmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/MonctonLabour/

Ontario Region

Guelph District Labour Council
Goldie Mill Park, 75 Cardigan St, Guelph, N1H 3Z7
April 28, 2023, 5:30 p.m.
Contact: Jennifer Hesch jennilynncda@gmail.com
Website (if available): https://www.facebook.com/Guelph-District-Labour-Council-1593522250974861

Huron District LC Day of Mourning
(Across from) 181 Victoria Street North, Goderich ON
April 23, 2023, 1:00 p.m.
Contact: Jim Vance 226-222-0157 or Drew Macaulay drmacaulay@hotmail.com

Stratford & District Labour Council
Upper Queens Park, 55 Queen Street, Stratford ON, N5A 4M9
April 28, 2023, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Sarnia & District Labour Council
Centennial Park on Sarnia Bay, Front Street
April 28, 2023, 6:00 p.m.
Contact: sdlc57@outlook.com

Windsor & District Labour Council
St. Augustine’s Church Hall (formerly St. Aidans’s, Wyandotte at Westminster)
April 28, 2023, 5:00 p.m.
Contact: Mike Jee 226-345-6807 mike3jee@gmail.com

Chatham-Kent Labour Council
Day of Mourning Monument
Grand Avenue, across from Canadian Tire, Chatham
April 28, 2023, 5:30 p.m.
Contact: Linda Reaume 519-676-7803

St. Catherines, Niagara Regional Labour Council
At the monument dedicated to the Fallen Welland Canal Workers, located at Lock 3 on the Welland Canal Parkway – West side of the Canal
April 28, 2023, 7:30 a.m.
Contact: nrlc.clc@gmail.com

St. Catherines, Niagara Regional Labour Council
Under the St. Catherines Skyway. Located on the Welland Canal Parkway – West side of the Canal, under the bridge.
April 28, 2023, 8:00 a.m.
nrlc.clc@gmail.com

Niagara-on-the-Lake – Niagara Regional Labour Council
At the monument located at the Centennial Arena
1557 Four Mile Creek Road, Virgil
April 28, 2023, 9:15 a.m.
nrlc.clc@gmail.com

Niagara Falls – Niagara Regional Labour Council
At the monument located at Niagara Falls City Hall
4310 Queen Street, Niagara Falls
April 28, 2023, 10:30 a.m.
nrlc.clc@gmail.com

Fort Erie – Niagara Regional Labour Council
At the monument located at Forth Erie City Hall
1 Municipal Centre Drive, along Highway 3
April 28, 2023, 11:45 a.m.
nrlc.clc@gmail.com

Port Colborne – Niagara Regional Labour Council
At the monument located at H.H. Knoll Park on Sugarloaf St., beside the hospital
April 28, 2023, 1:00 p.m.
nrlc.clc@gmail.com

Welland – Niagara Regional Labour Council
At the monument located beside the Canal in Merritt Park – 151 King St.
April 28, 2023, 2:00 p.m.
nrlc.clc@gmail.com

Port Robinson – Niagara Regional Labour Council
In memory of Robyn Lafleur, Esquire Canada
Explosion site (1999) 125 South St. North
April 28, 2023, 3:00 p.m.
nrlc.clc@gmail.com

St. Catharines – Niagara Regional Labour Council
At the Monument located at St. Catharines City Hall- 50 Church St.
April 28, 2023, 4:00 p.m.
nrlc.clc@gmail.com

Niagara Region – Niagara Regional Labour Council
At the Monument located at the Region of Niagara Headquarters
1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Niagara Region
April 28, 2023, 5:15 p.m.
nrlc.clc@gmail.com

Durham Region Labour Council
Day of Mourning Ceremony
Oshawa City Hall, 50 Centre St. S., Oshawa
April 28, 2023, 10:30 a.m.
Contact: durhamregionlabourcouncil@gmail.com
Website: https://www.durhamlabour.ca

Brantford & District Labour Council
Day of Mourning Ceremony
Fordview Park
5 Fordview Ct, Brantford, ON N3T 5W3
April 28, 2023, 5:00 p.m.
Contact: Cory Judson 226-388-0547 coryjudson@live.ca
Website: http://www.brantforddistrictlabourcouncil.ca/

Peterborough & District Labour Council
Proclamation and flag raising at Peterborough City Hall, 500 George Street
April 28, 2023, 10:45 a.m.
Contact: Stephanie Levesque 705-313-1103

Sudbury & District Labour Council
Day of Mourning – Laurentian University, Fraser Auditorium
935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury Ontario
April 28, 2023, Doors at 9:00 a.m., event at 9:30 a.m.
Contact: Jessica Montgomery – jmontgomery@ohcow.on.ca
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/692439605904483/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22home%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22surface%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22groups_highlight_units%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D

North Simcoe Muskoka & District Labour Council
Workers’ Day of Mourning
Tudhope Park 450 Atherley Rd, Orillia, ON
April 28, 2023, 11:00 a.m.
Contact: Mike De Rose – (416) 937-7982
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/731216048602213/?ref=newsfeed

North Bay & District Labour Council
Day of Mourning
In front of City Hall, 200 McIntyre St E, North Bay, ON
April 28, 2023, 4:30 p.m.
Contact: Henri Giroux – hgiroux1@hotmail.com

Thunder Bay & District Labour Council
Day of Mourning
Patterson Park, corner of Miles St. & May St. Thunder Bay
April 28, 2023, 5:30 p.m.
Contact : Carlos Santander-Maturana – santalfo@tbaytel.net

Sault Ste Marie & District Labour Council
Day of Mourning – 68 Dennis St., Sault Ste. Marie
April 28, 2023, 11:00 a.m. (doors at 10:30 a.m.)
Contact: Michele McCleave-Kennedy – presidentssmdlc@gmail.com

Waterloo Regional Labour Council
Day of Mourning Ceremony
Worker’s Monument
Willow River Park (Victoria Park), 32 Dill St., Kitchener
April 28, 2023, 11:00 a.m.
Contact: Jeff Pelich, President president@wrlc.ca
Website: www.wrlc.ca

Hamilton & District Labour Council
Hamilton City Hall
April 28, 2023, 5:30 p.m.
Contact: Anthony Marco, President amarco@rogers.com
Website: www.hamiltonlabour.ca/day_of_mourning_2023

Oakville & District Labour Council
Centennial Plaza, 120 Navy Street, Oakville ON
April 28, 2023, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Contact: Dave Buddell 1st V.P
Email: dbuddell@etfohalton.on.ca

Grey Bruce Labour Council
They hold three ceremonies but details are available for one
Bruce Power, Tiverton Facility (*This event is not open to the public)
April 27, 2023
Contact: Dave Trumble
*Details to follow

Orangeville & District Labour Council
Orangeville Monument
Address: 214 Broadway Orangeville ON L9W 1K3
April 28, 2023, 12:15 p.m.
Contact: Sania Wadalia, President swadalia@hotmail.com

Toronto & York Region Labour Council
Two commemorative in-person events

York Region, Woodbridge Memorial Arena, 5020 Hwy 7, Woodbridge
April 28, 2023, 11:00 a.m.
Website: www.labourcouncil.ca/events

Toronto, Larry Sefton Park, 500 Bay Street, Toronto
April 28, 2023, 12:00 p.m.
Website: www.labourcouncil.ca/events

Lindsay and District Labour Council
National Day of Mourning ceremony
Victoria Park, Lindsay
April 30, 2023, 1:00 p.m.
Contact: James Mulhern 705 324 7841, oneworldonevoice@sympatico.ca or ldlcouncil@gmail.com

Timmins & District Labour Council
Day of Mourning
Timmins Miner’s Memorial, Lions Park
85 Mcintyre Rd., Schumacher On
April 28, 2023, 11:00 a.m.

Ottawa & District Labour Council
Vincent Massey Park, Ottawa, ON
Friday, April 28, 2023, 12:30 p.m.
Contact: Jennifer jennifer@ottawalabour.org

Lanark & District Labour Council

Perth Crystal Palace, next to Tay Basin
28 Drummond St E, Perth, ON
April 28, 2023, 12:00 p.m.

Rideau Canal Museum, Smiths Falls
34 Beckwith St. S, Smiths Falls
April 28, 2023, 6:30 p.m.
Contact: Ike ike.doornekamp@ucdsb.on.ca

Cornwall & District Labour Council
Lamoureux Park
100 Water St E, Cornwall, ON
April 28, 2023; 11:45 a.m.
Louise Lanctot 613-932-1943

Leeds & Grenville Labour Council
Brockville Museum
5 Henry St. Brockville
April 29, 2023; 11:00 a.m.
James Roy leedsandgrenvillelabourcouncil@gmail.com

Renfrew & District Labour Council
Renfrew at Memorial by Swinging Bridge and Pembroke at Waterfront by Algonquin Campus
April 28, 2023, Renfrew at 12:00 p.m. and Pembroke at 5:00 p.m.
Micheal Wright 613-570-1804

Kingston & District Labour Council
OPSEU Regional Office
824 John Counter Blvd, Kingston
Friday, April 28, 11:00 a.m.
Janet Heyman janetheyman@live.ca

Grey Bruce Labour Council
Heritage Square
358 Tenth St, Hanover, N4N 1P4
April 28, 2023, 10:45 a.m. -11:15 a.m.
Labour and Community Speakers
Contact Hazel Pratt peacegirlhp2@gmail.com, 519-363-2991 or mobile 519-379-7905

Barrie and District Labour Council
Day of Mourning
City Hall 70 Collier Street, Barrie L4M 4T5
April 28, 2023
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. flag raising
6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. candlelight vigil
Contact – Michele MacDonald (barrielabourcouncil@gmail.com) OR Donna Beischlag (donnabeischlag@hotmail.com)
Website – barrielabour.ca

Prairie Region

Alberta

Red Deer and District Labour Council
Day of Mourning Ceremony
Bower Ponds Stage 4715 Fountain Dr, Red Deer, AB T4N 6W4
April 28, 2023, 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Contact: RDDLC – rddlc1@gmail.com

Wood Buffalo and District Labour Council
Day of Mourning Ceremony
Howard Pew Parks – Waterways, Fort McMurray
April 28, 2023, 10:45 a.m.
Contact: WBDLC – omer.hussein@hsaa.ca

Calgary & District Labour Council
Day of Mourning Wreath Ceremony
City of Calgary Workers Memorial, Edward Place Park, City Hall (SE corner)
April 28, 2023, 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Contact: Alex Shevalier, President 403-819-4159
Website: https://www.thecdlc.caThe Calgary & District Labour Council – Calgary & District Labour Council (thecdlc.ca)

Edmonton & District Labour Council
Day of Mourning Wreath Ceremony
Grant Notley Park 116 Street & 100 Avenue
April 28, 2023, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Contact: Greg Mady, President 780-940-6797
Website: https://edmontonlabour.ca

Manitoba

Brandon & District Labour Council
Day of Mourning Gathering
Brandon City Hall, foyer area
April 28, 2023, 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Manitoba Federation of Labour
Day of Mourning Gathering
Union Centre, 275 Broadway, Winnipeg
April 28, 2023, 11:00 a.m., SWOT Leaders’ walk starts 11:30 a.m., ceremony at Workers Memorial at noon
MFL.ca or https://www.facebook.com/ManitobaLabour

Thompson Labour Council
Day of Mourning Ceremony
USW Union Hall
April 28, 2023, 10:00 a.m.

Saskatchewan

Saskatoon & District Labour Council
Day of Mourning Ceremony
Civic Square 222 3rd Avenue North, Saskatoon
April 28, 2023, 6:00 p.m.
Contact: Don McDonald, President, sdlc@sasktel.net

Regina & District Labour Council
Day of Mourning Ceremony
Regina City Hall, 2476 Victoria Avenue
April 28, 2023, 5:30 p.m.
Contact: Shobna Radons, President, shobna.radons@sasktel.net

Weyburn & District Labour Council
Day of Mourning Ceremony
TC Douglas Cavalry Centre, 400 – 10th Avenue, Weyburn
April 28, 2023, 5:30 p.m.
Contact: Wanda Bartlett, President, wbartlett@sasktel.net

Pacific Region

North Okanagan Labour Council
Day of Mourning Event
Ben Lee Park – 900 Houghton Road Kelowna, BC
April 28, 2023, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Contact: Ian Gordon, President, nolcpres@gmail.com
https://www.oklabour.org
https://www.facebook.com/groups/406757552682107

New Westminster District Labour Council
Day of Mourning Event
Westminster Pier Park – 1 – 6th Street New Westminster, BC
April 28, 2023, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m
Contact: Janet Andrews nwdlc@shawcable.com
Website: https://www.nwdlc.ca

North Central Labour Council
Day of Mourning Event
Connaught Hill Park – 1112 Connaught Dr, Prince George, BC
April 28, 2023, 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Contact: Matt Baker, President NCLCboard@gmail.com
Website: https://www.northcentrallabour.ca/

Kamloops and District Labour Council
Day of Mourning Event
St. Andrews on the Square, Kamloops
April 28, 2023, 6:00 p.m.
Contact: Lois Rugg, President, kdlcpresident@gmail.com

Squamish & District Labour Committee
Day of Mourning Event
O’Siem Park, Downtown Squamish, Squamish, BC
Sunday, April 30, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.
Contact: Carl Walker (604) 892-4661

Vancouver & District Labour Council
Day of Mourning Event
Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
April 28, 2023, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Livestream – https://dayofmourning.bc.ca
Contact: Stephen von Sychowski, President president@vdlc.ca

East Kootenay District Labour Council
Day of Mourning Event
Rotary Park, Cranbrook, BC
April 28, 2023, at 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Contact: Francesca Burgon, President franburgon.bcgeu@gmail.com
or Shelley Balfour, Recording Secretary ekdistrictlabourcouncil@gmail.com

West Kootenay Labour Council
Day of Mourning Event
Lakeside Park (near Worker Memorial), Nelson, BC
April 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Contact: Mike van Hellemond, Treasurer mike@ibew993.org

Sunshine Coast Labour Council
Day of Mourning Event – April 28, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in two locations:
1) Workers’ Memorial Plaque, Spirit Square, 5790 Teredo St. Sechelt, BC
2) Worker’s Memorial Plaque, Dougall Park, 339 Aldersprings Rd. Gibsons, BC
Contact: Miyuki Shinkai, President mellonglass@dccnet.com

Fraser Valley Labour Council
Day of Mourning Event
Abbotsford, BC
April 28, 2023
Time and Location TBA
Contact: Graeme Hutchison, President ghutchison@moveuptogether.ca

https://canadianlabour.ca/events/day-of-mourning-ceremonies-2023/

Canada: Workers’ Day of Mourning | Canadian Union of Public Employees

Apr 28, 2023

Work must be healthy and safe. COVID-19 pandemic emergency measures are over, but workers still have the right to be protected from the dangers of respiratory illnesses in their work. It’s not just COVID-19. Infections can damage workers’ health and put their lives at risk.

Workers are facing increased pressure to “get back to normal” while still trying to recover from the pandemic’s intense work pace and emotional, physical, and personal demands. The impacts on mental health continue to emerge, impacts most workplaces aren’t equipped to deal with it.

Workers must keep pushing their employers to prevent exposure to communicable illnesses and to deal with the mental injuries caused by work. Employers must provide adequate sick time for workers to recover from all illnesses – health isn’t only from the neck down.

Unacceptable losses

Workers in Canada continue to be killed at a completely unacceptable rate. The most recent available statistics show that nearly 1,000 workers are killed on the job each year – a number that does not include claims rejected by compensation boards.

This year, we remember the following CUPE members who died because of work in 2022:

  • Sherri Anne D’Amour, CUPE 5167, Ontario
  • Michael Boulanger, CUPE 4705, Ontario
  • Wilmer Gonzalez, CUPE 2740, Saskatchewan

Remembering your four rights

As trade unionists, it is our responsibility to continue this fight. We must ensure that all workers know about the four workers’ rights enshrined in every health and safety law in the country:

  • The right to refuse work you believe is unsafe until an investigation can be carried out;
  • The right to participate in deciding what is safe in the workplace and to report hazards;
  • The right to information on any hazard in the workplace that may cause harm, and how to prevent that harm;
  • The right to be free from reprisal for carrying out any of the other rights or any other requirement of health and safety law.

The role of health and safety committees

Employers across Canada must provide a healthy and safe workplace. Employers are legally obligated to collaborate with workers on health and safety committees to highlight issues and find safe solutions.

Let’s build capacity, document workplace hazards, keep careful records, and demand that workers be protected from hazards we can’t remove. It’s not enough to acknowledge danger, it must be addressed. When an employer fails to uphold their duty of care, we must take the next steps with government inspectors.

https://cupe.ca/event/workers-day-mourning

Canada: 28 avril – Ne les oublions pas – FTQ

Chaque année, le 28 avril est le Jour commémoratif des personnes décédées ou blessées au travail. C’est l’occasion de se rappeler que le travail fait encore trop de victimes et que nous devons continuer à faire de nos lieux de travail des endroits où il est possible de gagner sa vie sans la perdre.

Cette année, cela est encore plus vrai avec l’entrée en vigueur de nouvelles dispositions de la Loi sur la santé et la sécurité du travail qui vise à faire de la prévention dans tous les milieux de travail.

Événements et activités

Des cérémonies et minutes de silence seront tenues dans différents lieux à travers le Québec.

Montréal

L’événement se tiendra à la place Square-Victoria. Vous êtes attendus à partir de 9h30.

  • Minute de silence prévue à 10h
  • Cérémonie des croix de 10h à 10h30
  • Discours des dirigeants de 10 h 30 à 10h45.

Estrie

Lieu de rassemblement: devant le bureau de la CNESST situé au 1650, rue King Ouest, à Sherbrooke

  • Début de l’activité à 14 h 45 par un cortège automobile funèbre intersyndicale
  • Départ du Cortège à 15h30, arrêt devant le bureau de la députée
  • Ensuite, arrêt à la Coopérative Funéraire du 24 juin et dévoilement du monument en l’honneur des personnes décédées au travail
  • Prise de paroles.

Côte-Nord

Deux rassemblements devant les bureaux de la CNESST à 17 h 15:

  • À Sept-Îles au, 700, boul. Laure.
  • À Baie-Comeau au, 235, boul. La Salle.
  • À Port-Cartier : 17h15 – Local des Métallos au, 178 Portage des Mousses
  • Au Fermont : 20h30 – Au monument commémoratif (devant le local des Métallos)

Québec

Rassemblement à 12 h devant le bureau de la CNESST à Québec avec banderole indiquant le nombre de décès.

Bas Saint-Laurent

Rassemblement intersyndicale à 9 h 30 devant le bureau de la CNESST et prise de parole :

180 rue des gouverneurs, Rimouski

Laurentides-Lanaudière

Rassemblement devant le bureau de la CNESST ou le bureau du ministre Legault.

Outaouais

Mobilisation pour une minute de silence dans les milieux de travail avec diffusion sur les médias-sociaux.

Abitibi

Rassemblement de 12 h à 13 h devant les bureaux de la CNESST à Val-D’Or, au 1185 rue Germain. Personnes responsables : Gilles Chapadeau et Sonia Charette

Pour plus de détails, consulter la page Web des conseils régionaux.

https://santesecurite.ftq.qc.ca/28-avril-ne-les-oublions-pas/

Canada: Jour de deuil national : le travail ne doit pas faire mal

Jour de deuil national : le travail ne doit pas faire mal

À l’occasion du Jour de deuil national, le 28 avril, l’AFPC souligne le travail exemplaire des membres de l’AFPC qui ont sauvé d’innombrables vies en protégeant la santé et la sécurité des travailleuses et travailleurs durant la pandémie.

En obligeant les employeurs à mettre en place des protocoles liés à la COVID-19, des mesures administratives et des politiques de ventilation et d’assainissement, les syndicats et les militants ont joué un rôle clé dans la sécurité des personnes salariées. Ce travail a pu être réalisé grâce à la réglementation solide en matière de santé et de sécurité, à son respect et à son application, réglementation pour laquelle les syndicats se sont battus afin de protéger les travailleuses et travailleurs au Canada et dans le monde entier.

Malheureusement, les travailleurs et travailleuses ne bénéficient pas tous de telles mesures de protection : il nous incombe de veiller à ce que tout le monde ait droit à un lieu de travail sûr.

Au Canada, de nombreuses personnes, notamment celles qui cumulent les petits boulots, ne bénéficient pas des protections de base en matière de santé et de sécurité, comme le droit de connaître les dangers sur son lieu travail. D’autres, notamment le personnel du secteur des soins de longue durée, de l’hôtellerie et des services de première ligne, ont peu de jours de congé de maladie et de protections en matière de santé et de sécurité. Dans le budget 2022, le gouvernement fédéral s’est engagé à offrir 10 jours de congé de maladie payés aux travailleuses et travailleurs assujettis à la réglementation fédérale, mais cet avantage doit être offert à toutes les personnes qui travaillent.

C’est pourquoi l’AFPC et d’autres syndicats font pression sur les gouvernements pour que la santé et la sécurité au travail deviennent un droit fondamental, par l’entremise de l’Organisation internationale du Travail (OIT) des Nations Unies. Ainsi, nous travaillons ensemble selon une même vision : le travail ne doit pas faire mal.

Au Canada et dans le monde entier, des millions de personnes décèdent en raison de leur travail.Selon les plus récentes données de l’Association des commissions des accidents du travail du Canada (ACATC), en 2019, 925 décès en milieu de travail ont été enregistrés au Canada. Cela s’ajoute aux 271 806 demandes acceptées en raison d’une blessure ou d’une maladie liée au travail.

Notre pays doit montrer l’exemple et agir pour ratifier et mettre en œuvre les conventions fondamentales de l’OIT en matière de santé et de sécurité, qui garantissent des droits et des protections liés à la santé au travail pour toutes et tous ainsi que des protections contre la violence et le harcèlement.

L’AFPC s’engage également à exiger que tous les employeurs respectent les normes les plus élevées en matière de santé et de sécurité dans tous les lieux de travail afin qu’après chaque journée de travail, tous les travailleuses et travailleurs puissent rentrer chez eux indemnes.

Pour participer au Jour de deuil national, vous pouvez :

Source:
Alliance de la Fonction publique du Canada

Canada: National Day of Mourning – April 28

Refugee Rights Day – April 4
8.5″ x 11″ Poster

April 28 marks the National Day of Mourning for workers injured or killed on the job. This year’s Day of Mourning is especially significant given the devastating toll COVID-19 continues to inflict on workers across the country.

Frontline workers are still disproportionately affected by the pandemic, with countless falling sick and many succumbing to illness. Everyone has a role to play in ensuring that workers make it home at the end of each day, and that includes employers, unions, and governments.

UFCW Canada encourages every worker to make workplace health and safety a personal priority and help spread the word that every worker has the right to refuse unsafe work.

On April 28, let us remember those who have been injured or killed on the job, and keep them in our thoughts. Let us honour the memory of those killed or injured on the job, and never forget the importance of our commitment to keep workers safe.

For a full list of local events happening in solemn observance, click here.

Source: UFCW  Canada

Canada: Day of Mourning Ceremonies 2022 – Canadian Labour Congress

April 28th is the labour movement’s most solemn day, but also one to refocus our commitment to prevent future workplace injuries and deaths. Every year, thousands of workers, friends and families of fallen workers gather at ceremonies across Canada to recognize the National Day of Mourning for workers killed or injured on the job.

This year, we will gather in communities across the country and online. As we mourn for the dead, the Canadian Labour Congress continues to fight for the living.

Find an event near you.

Atlantic Region

Newfoundland and Labrador
TBD

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia Federation of Labour
Day of Mourning Ceremony – Wreath Laying
Nova Scotia Legislature (Province House)
Thursday, April 28, 2022, 11:00 a.m.

New Brunswick

Bathurst & District Labour Council
Day of Mourning Ceremony
Near Sacred Heart Cathedral, Douglas Avenue, Bathurst
Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 12:15 p.m.
John Gagnon 506-454-0651 gagnonjohn@yahoo.com
https://www.facebook.com/Bathurstlabour/

Edmundston & District Labour Council
Day of Mourning Ceremony
Park next to City Hall on Canada Road
Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 11:30 a.m.
Lorn Martin 506-737-7063 lornm5@gmail.com

Fredericton & District Labour Council
TBD

Moncton & District Labour Council
Day of Mourning Ceremony
Cenotaph in Bore Park (Riverfront)
Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 12:00 p.m.
Melissa Brown 506-872-4643 melandjade@hotmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/Monctonlabour/

Prince Edward Island

PEI Federation of Labour
Day of Mourning Ceremony
St. Paul’s Hall, 101 Prince Street, Charlottetown
Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 7:00 p.m.
Carl Pursey, President 902-626-7996

Ontario Region

Chatham-Kent Labour Council
Day of Mourning Monument
Grand Avenue, across from Canadian Tire, Chatham
Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 6:00 p.m.
Guest Speakers: Cathy Bokor, President, Chatham-Kent Labour Council
Cathy Bokor, President, C/KLC (226)627-2745
cbokor62@gmail.com

Fort Erie – Niagara Regional Labour Council
At the monument located at Forth Erie City Hall
1 Municipal Centre Drive, along Highway 3
Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 11:45 a.m.
nrlc.clc@gmail.com

Guelph District Labour Council
Goldie Mill Park, 75 Cardigan St, Guelph, N1H 3Z7
Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 5:30 p.m.
Sarah Neath 519-503-2743 sarah.neath@ufcw175.com
https://www.facebook.com/Guelph-District-Labour-Council-1593522250974861

Huron District Labour Council
Day of Mourning
(Across from) 181 Victoria Street North, Goderich ON N7A 1W7
Sunday, April 24, 2022, at 1:00 p.m.
Jim Vance 226-222-0157 or Drew Macaulay drmacaulay@hotmail.com

Kenora & District Labour Council
Lake of the Woods District Cemetery
East Gate (top of the hill)
750 9th Street North, Kenora
Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 5:00 p.m.
Cindy Hayward
President, Kenora & District Labour Council
kenoralabourcouncil@gmail.com

Niagara-on-the-Lake – Niagara Regional Labour Council
At the monument located at the Centennial Arena
1557 Four Mile Creek Road, Virgil
Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 9:15 a.m.
nrlc.clc@gmail.com

Niagara Falls – Niagara Regional Labour Council
At the monument located at Niagara Falls City Hall
4310 Queen Street, Niagara Falls
Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 10:30 a.m.
nrlc.clc@gmail.com

Niagara Region – Niagara Regional Labour Council
At the Monument located at the Region of Niagara Headquarters
1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Niagara Region
Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 5:15 p.m.
nrlc.clc@gmail.com

Port Colborne – Niagara Regional Labour Council
At the monument located at H.H. Knoll Park on Sugarloaf St., beside the hospital
Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 1:00 p.m.
nrlc.clc@gmail.com

Port Robinson – Niagara Regional Labour Council
In memory of Robyn Lafleur, Esquire Canada
Explosion site (1999) 125 South St. North
Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 3:00 p.m.
nrlc.clc@gmail.com

Sarnia & District Labour Council
Virtual Event on Facebook: www.facebook.com/sarniaanddistrictlabourcouncil
Thursday, April 28, 2022, after 11:00 a.m.
sdlc57@outlook.com

Stratford & District Labour Council
Upper Queens Park
55 Queen Street, Stratford ON, N5A 4M9
Thursday, April 28, 2022, from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

St. Catharines, Niagara Regional Labour Council
At the monument dedicated to the Fallen Welland Canal Workers, located at Lock 3 on the Welland Canal Parkway – West side of the Canal
Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 7:30 a.m.
nrlc.clc@gmail.com

St. Catharines, Niagara Regional Labour Council
Under the St. Catharines Skyway. Located on the Welland Canal Parkway – West side of the Canal, under the bridge
Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 8:00 a.m.
nrlc.clc@gmail.com

St. Catharines – Niagara Regional Labour Council
At the Monument located at St. Catharines City Hall- 50 Church St.
Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 4:00 p.m.
nrlc.clc@gmail.com

St. Thomas & District Labour Council
Pinafore Park
95 Elm Street, St. Thomas
Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 5:15 p.m.
Service at Pinafore Park with local politicians in attendance, followed by a march to the Worker’s Memorial (at the entrance to Pinafore Park)
Guest Speakers: From the Labour Community
Joe Mountenay jmtech94@yahoo.ca

Waterloo Regional Labour Council
Day of Mourning Ceremony
Worker’s Monument, 100 Regina Street South, Waterloo
Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 11:00 a.m.

Prairie Region

Alberta

Calgary and District Labour Council
Day of Mourning Virtual Ceremony
Thursday, April 28, 2022, from
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Alex Shevalier, President 403-819-4159
http://www.thecdlc.ca/event/april-28-day-of-mourning-on-zoom/

Edmonton and District Labour Council
Day of Mourning
Grant Notley Park 116 Street & 100 Avenue
Thursday, April 28, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Greg Mady, President 780-940-6797
https://edmontonlabour.ca/events/international-day-of-mourning/

Manitoba

Brandon & District Labour Council
Due to Covid numbers increasing all Day of Mourning events are cancelled.

Manitoba Federation of Labour
Day of Mourning
Union Centre, 275 Broadway, Winnipeg
(Leaders Walk and Candle Lighting Vigil)
Thursday, April 28, 2022, 11:30 a.m., Vigil starts 12:00 p.m.
204-947-1400 or admin@mfl.mb.ca
MFL.ca or https://www.facebook.com/ManitobaLabour

Thompson Labour Council
Due to Covid numbers increasing all Day of Mourning events are cancelled.

Saskatchewan

Moose Jaw and District Labour Council
Day of Mourning, Wreath Laying, Moose Jaw Union Centre, 1402 Caribou St W
Thursday, April 28, 2022
Deidre Wilson, President mjdlcpresident@gmail.com

Regina and District Labour Council
Day of Mourning – Wreath Laying
Regina City Hall, 2476 Victoria Ave
Thursday, April 28, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Shobna Radons, President rdlc@sasktel.net
www.reginalabour.ca/day_of_mourning2_april_28_2022

Saskatoon and District Labour Council
Day of Mourning – Wreath Laying
Saskatoon City Hall
Thursday, April 28, 2022, from
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Don MacDonald, President sdlc@sasktel.net
https://www.saskatoondlc.ca/

Weyburn and District Labour Council
Day of Mourning Ceremony
Online ceremony Facebook: www.facebook.com/Weyburn-and-District-Labour-Council-309053323111744
Thursday, April 28, 2022
Wanda Bartlett, President wbartlett@sasktel.net

Pacific Region
TBD

https://canadianlabour.ca/events/day-of-mourning-ceremonies-2022/

Canada: Unifor calls for pandemic protection for workers on National Day of Mourning

Unifor calls for pandemic protection for workers on National Day of Mourning

TORONTO– As Unifor prepares to mark the National Day of Mourning on April 28, the union is calling for immediate government action to provide pandemic protection for workers.

“The pandemic has starkly revealed inequities in our workplaces, with many workers continuing to offer essential services, despite the risks to their health and to that of their families,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. “No one should have to die to make a living, but provincial governments continue to reject pandemic measures needed to protect workers.”

Sadly, 19 Unifor members lost their lives since the last Day of Mourning, either on the job or to COVID-19. The seven Unifor members who died from COVID-19 worked in a variety of sectors, including long-term care, warehouse and manufacturing. In their memory, Unifor is continuing to advocate for priority vaccine access for all workers who must leave the house, permanent paid sick days, paid vaccination time and increased rapid testing.

April 28 marks the National Day of Mourning, to pay tribute to workers who died due to workplace injury and occupational disease and recommit to improve health and safety in the workplace. This year’s even takes on special significance during the heightened safety concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Related links:

Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector and represents 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

https://www.unifor.org/en/whats-new/press-room/unifor-calls-pandemic-protection-workers-national-day-mourning

Canada: Working people built this country: they’ve earned a right to safe workplaces, and deserve them – UNA

 

Last year, 150 Alberta workers lost their lives on the job.

Families and co-workers were devastated. There was an empty spot at many tables, conversations will be missed forever, there are deep regrets because there was no chance to say I love you one more time.

Then came COVID-19. When we first heard of the new disease overseas, most of us assumed it would never land it Canada. We thought Western medicine would save us.

We were wrong. When the carnage arrived, borders were closed, civil restrictions put in place, visitors restricted in health care settings, continuous masking was required, a Joint Statement negotiated, single-site orders, AFD payments, isolation measures, mental health concerns, N95 respirators locked up, overtime, burnout, short staffing, and the list goes on.

All you need to do is look around at your workplace to see the stress on your co-workers’ faces.

Conversations are different. Who’s talking about a winter vacation or summer holidays now? Who’s thinking about an upcoming wedding invitation? Instead we have restrictions on attending a funeral to say goodbye. Who thought we’d ever need an invitation to attend a funeral for a dear friend or family member?

COVID units are over capacity, nurses must hold up iPads so family members can say goodbye. Imagine the mental toll that takes on those nurses? Resilience is a word employers rely on and workers have come to hate.

Despite all this, the Alberta Government has launched attacks on the Occupational Health and Safety Act. It is reviewing the OHS Code and considering language that would gut Joint Workplace Health and Safety Committees, eviscerate the applicable rate of pay UNA won at arbitration, and change the rules to make it harder to refuse unsafe work.

Eliminating work refusals that save lives and protect workers’ health and safety are justified in the name of “job creators” who forget that people who work and spend their wages are the economic drivers of the economy. Labour for this government has become a dirty word.

2020, a year many would like to forget, but mustn’t!

As bad a year as 2020 has been, there are positive outcomes that will take us into the future.

Employers can no longer tell workers and their unions that policies can’t be changed quickly. We have seen OHS policy changed in a week, not three years.

Meetings are now held virtually. Zoom and Skype are normal. Business gets done but the value of sitting across the table and looking someone in the eye seems to have been lost. A handshake on a deal is gone for the moment. But we will get back.

Supply chain lines for PPE are now secured. PPE is now manufactured in Canada and Alberta, including quality face shields, medical masks, and N95 respirators. No manager should hesitate to supply any PPE, no worker should hesitate to ask. This includes N95 respirators, when they are needed to perform work safely.

Health care workers are now supposedly eligible to receive vaccinations. But some workers caring for COVID patients had to meet additional criteria to be vaccinated. What’s wrong with this picture?

We must never forget that governments come and go, even in Alberta. We, the workers of Alberta, will still be here to challenge inadequate legislation.

At the time of writing, six health care workers have died and more than 8,000 have tested positive for COVID-19.

We must remember that not all health care workers who become infected with COVID recover. Some become “long-haulers,” and that will be their life’s journey. They are the walking wounded. We don’t know what medical attention they will require or what their life needs will be.

This article is not just about COVID-19. Countless other injuries occurred that caused the deaths of those 150 workers in 2020. They went to work and ended up not going home. They likely went to the hospitals where you work, where you tried to give them another shot at life.

April 28 is the day we remember that we, working people, built this country. Working people have earned the right to safe workplaces, and unions to keep them safe. All working people deserve a safe workplace

Stay Healthy! Work Safe!

This year, I want to talk to you, not about you!

Dewey Funk, Occupational Health & safety Advisor, United Nurses of Alberta

https://www.una.ca/1240/working-people-built-this-country-theyve-earned-a-right-to-safe-workplaces-and-deserve-them

Canada: CCOHS activities and resources for 28 April

Marked annually in Canada on April 28, the National Day of Mourning is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives, or suffered injury or illness on the job or due to a work-related tragedy.

hashtagDayOfMourning

Observance

The National Day of Mourning is not only a day to remember and honour those lives lost or injured due to a workplace tragedy, but also a day to collectively renew our commitment to improve health and safety in the workplace and prevent further injuries, illnesses and deaths.

How to support

Traditionally on April 28th the Canadian flag has flown at half-mast on Parliament Hill and on all federal government buildings. Employers and workers have observed Day of Mourning in a variety of ways over the years. Some have lit candles, laid wreaths, worn commemorative pins, ribbons or black armbands, and paused for a moment of silence.

In light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we encourage organizations, communities, and individuals to consider holding or supporting a virtual event, or simply pause at 11:00 am on April 28 for a moment of silence. These acts of remembrance help to honour the lives lost or injured due to workplace tragedy, while also acknowledging the sacrifices of frontline and essential workers who have died or become ill serving during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Employers and individuals can also show their support and commitment to a safe workplace by promoting the social media cards and messages provided by CCOHS at the bottom of this page. By sharing these messages, you are reminding more people to put health and safety at the forefront of their work and helping to prevent further work-related injuries and loss of life.

Beyond the statistics

The most recent statistics from the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC) tell us that in 2019, 925 workplace fatalities were recorded in Canada. 882 were male workers, and 43 were female workers. Among these deaths were 29 young workers aged 15-24.

Add to these fatalities the 271,806 accepted claims (an increase from 264,438 the previous year) for lost time due to a work-related injury or disease, including 33,615 from workers aged 15-24, and the fact that these statistics only include what is reported and accepted by the compensation boards, there is no doubt that the total number of workers impacted is even greater.

And it’s not just these numbers on which we need to reflect. With each worker tragedy there are loved ones, family members, friends and co-workers who are directly affected, left behind, and deeply impacted – their lives also forever changed.

History

In 1991, eight years after the day of remembrance was launched by the Canadian Labour Congress, the Parliament of Canada passed the Workers Mourning Day Act making April 28 an official Day of Mourning. Today the Day of Mourning has since spread to more than 100 countries around the world and is recognized as Workers’ Memorial Day, and as International Workers’ Memorial Day by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).

It is the hope of CCOHS that the annual observance of this day will help strengthen the resolve to establish safe and healthy conditions in the workplace, and prevent further injuries, illnesses, and deaths. As much as this is a day to remember the dead, it is also a call to protect the living and make work a place where people can thrive.

Source: Fatalities, by Age and Jurisdiction 2019, Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC),National Work Injury/Disease Statistics Program (NWISP)

Source: Lost Time Claims, by Age and Jurisdiction, 2019, Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC),National Work Injury/Disease Statistics Program (NWISP)

For further statistical information visit the AWCBC National Work Injuries Statistics Program.

Show your commitment on social media

Show your commitment by sharing the following messages on your social media channels.

Day of Mourning postcard with ducks

Day of Mourning postcard with ducks

Pause. Reflect. Remember.

At 11 a.m., I will honour workers who have died, were injured, or became ill from their job.

Day of Mourning postcard with dandelions and seeds

Day of Mourning postcard with dandelions and seeds

Pause. Reflect. Remember. Renew.

At 11 a.m., we will honour workers who have died, were injured, or became ill from their job, and will renew our commitment to health and safety in the workplace.

Day of Mourning postcard with candles

Day of Mourning postcard with candles

We remember workers who have died, were injured, or became ill from their job. We commit to protecting workers and preventing further workplace tragedies.

Day of Mourning postcard with worker wearing a mask

Day of Mourning postcard with worker wearing a mask

We honour the workers who have risked their health and safety to serve others, especially during these uncertain times.

More details

 

Remember the dead, fight like hell for the living

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