April 28 is the National Day of Mourning
Apr 24, 2008
April 28, 2008 will mark the 24th anniversary of the National Day of Mourning for workers killed and injured on the job. The National Day of Mourning is an initiative of the Canadian Labour Congress. It was officially recognized by the federal government in 1991 and has since spread to about 80 countries around the world and has been adopted by the AFL-CIO and the International Confederation of Free Trade.
Unfortunately, workplace fatalities continue to grow in Canada. In fact, Canada continues to have one of the highest workplace fatality rates of any OECD country, and this is simply unacceptable. In 2006, the Association of Worker’s Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC) reported 976 workplace fatalities in Canada compared to 805 workplace fatalities in 1996 – an 18 percent increase in a ten-year period.
Until as recently as three years ago, the workplace was a place where workers could be injured or killed with virtually no consequences to the employer. However, since the Criminal Code was amended in 2004, employers are now held responsible for health and safety offences that destroy workers’ lives.
The Canadian flag on Parliament Hill will fly at half-mast on this day. Workers will light candles, don ribbons and black armbands and observe moments of silence. Businesses are asked to participate by declaring April 28 a Day of Mourning and to strive to prevent workplace deaths, illnesses and injuries.
The MGEU is once again commemorating this day of recognition for workers who have been killed, made ill or injured on the job. If available, please participate in the Annual Day of Mourning Leaders’ Walk from the Union Centre to the Legislative Building. Walkers will meet in the foyer of 275 Broadway on Monday April 28 at 11:45 am and will proceed down Broadway to the Legislative Building for a media event. Approximately 150 students will provide statements on what safety means to them.
As it has done in past years, the Manitoba Federation Labour is holding a Memorial Service and Candlelight Vigil to mark the occasion. The event will include the Winnipeg Labour Choir. It begins at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 28, in Room 2B of the Union Centre, 275 Broadway.
Any workplace death or injury is preventable, and every year sees repeated calls for better enforcement of existing legislation. Hopefully the annual observance of this day will strengthen the resolve to establish safe conditions in the workplace for all. It is as much a day to remember the dead as it is a call to protect the living.
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firstnation - 2008-04-25 12:15