UFCW Canada observes the National Day of Mourning – April 28, 2018
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Toronto – April 21, 2018 – Each year on April 28, union members and their allies from across the country gather, light candles, and wear ribbons to pay their respects and remember the thousands of women and men who have been killed or injured, or have suffered illnesses as a result of work-related incidents.
First recognized over 25 years ago, the National Day of Mourning is an opportunity to honour the numerous families, colleagues, and friends whose lives have been significantly impacted by workplace tragedies. The day is also a time to reaffirm our vow to help eliminate preventable workplace deaths, injuries, and illnesses on the job.
Recent statistics show that in 2016, over 900 workplace deaths were recorded in Canada. Among these horrific tragedies were six young workers aged 15-19; and twenty workers aged 20-24. In that same year, there were over 240,000 claims accepted for lost time due to a work-related injury or disease.
In honour of those lives affected, we must work together to strengthen workplace health and safety standards across Canada, with the goal of preventing further injuries, illnesses, and deaths.
To commemorate the National Day of Mourning, UFCW Canada has produced a special poster that is available for download in both English and French. The poster can be downloaded here.
Activists are also encouraged, if possible, to attend Day of Mourning events in their communities, or pause for a moment of silence at 11am on April 28.
On the National Day of Mourning, let us remember those who have been injured or killed on the job and the lives affected by these preventable tragedies. Let us also renew our commitment to ensure that our number one priority is always the health and safety of workers.
In solidarity,
Paul R. Meinema
National President
