Tuesday, April 28 is the labour movement’s most solemn day. The National Day of Mourning remembers those workers killed or injured on the job
The Canadian Labour Congress first declared the Day in 1984. More than 100 countries now observe the Day too.
This National Day of Mourning, we recognize the many workers in Canada who have lost their lives or who have been injured at work. Every year, hundreds of thousands more suffer injury or illness because of their working conditions. They are not to be forgotten.
While we honour those lives lost and those changed forever, we also stand with all essential workers at the frontline of the current crisis; Workers in airport screening, air transportation, healthcare, long-term care and retirement homes, manufacturing, hotels, grocery stores, food processing, transport and so many others who unselfishly continue to go to work each day to support us, and the communities we live in.
This pandemic has shown that employers cannot be left to self – regulate, National guidelines to protect nurses, doctors and other hospital staff from exposure to COVID-19 are less strict than those in other jurisdictions, workers have been left exposed to unsafe conditions, a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and little or no employer Health and Safety protocols.
Employers and governments have to do much more.
The IAMAW will continue the fight to ensure every worker has the proper protection needed to do their job.
Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, many of the 2020 Day of Mourning events across the country are being planned as virtual events;
Please check your local Labour Council Webpage for details.
Derek Ferguson
