Health and Safety
April 28, 2008 – National Day of Mourning
Sisters and Brothers:
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 was started in 1984 as an initiative of the Canadian Labour movement and this day of reflection is now established around the world.
In 1984, according to the official figures listed by the Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), 744 workers were listed as having died from workplace injuries. But instead of seeing and improvement is this tragic situation, the past two decades has actually seen an increase in the number of workplace fatalities. In 2006, the last year that the AWCBC has released statistics for, 976 workers were killed on the job due to workplace injuries.
However, we know that these statistics are grossly underestimated and that the real number of deaths resulting from occupational illness and disease, and other workerplace factors are never included in these official statistics, as it is extremely difficult to prove that deaths that are caused by occupational disease, such as cancer, are caused by exposure to hazards in the workplace.
Every year the Labour movement has to update these statistics and it is definitely a depressing exercise.
Since 1984, it is estimated that more than 25,000 workers have been killed on the job and more than 25 million workers have been injured while at work.
This year the theme for the Day of Mourning as adopted by the Canadian Labour Congress is “ Mourn for the dead. Fight for the Living – Now more that ever!”.
The Labour movement has and continues to diligently work to gain many health and safety protection for workers through legislation and collective bargaining.
However, there continues to be a serious lack of commitment on behalf of governments at the provincial and particularly at the federal level to enforce the health and safety protections that we have fought for such as the right to refuse unsafe work.
Workers and their representative need to mount concerted efforts to demand that the health protections that Labour has fought for are enforced by governments and that charges are laid when there are serious injuries or death in the workplace due to employer negligence.
Enclosed you will find three publications from the Canadian Labour Congress that will help in the planning for Day of Mourning activities: Day of Mourning Statement 2008; Resource Information for the 2008 Day of Mourning; and Notes for the National Day of Mourning.
Locals should ensure that on April 28th a minutes silence is observed at 11:00 A.M. in all work locations and that the Canadian flag is lowered to half mast at all federal buildings and establishments.
Members in all Locals should be encouraged to participate in the Day of Mourning observances organized by the Local or Local Labour Council. As well, Locals should ensure that the PSAC is well represented at their District Labour Council's Day of Mourning events.
Let us collectively ensure that this year's Day of Mourning observances sends a strong message to all governments of their obligation and responsibility to strongly enforce health and safety laws and regulations.
In Solidarity,
| Jean-Francois Des Lauriers Regional Executive Vice-President North |
Kay Sinclair |
- Day of Mourning Statement 2008 (Canadian Labour Congress)
- Resource Information for 2008 Day of Mourning
- Notes for National Day of Mourning April 28th, 2008
Home Site Map Contact Us Bargaining Search Join Our Union Français
Date Modified : 2008/04/25
Public Service Alliance of Canada | 233, Gilmour Street, Ottawa, ONTARIO CANADA, K2P 0P1, Tel.: 1 888 604-7722 (PSAC)