April 28, 2021
Today is April 28, a day set aside by an Act of Parliament we honour and remember all the people who died or were hurt from work related illness and injuries on this National Day of Mourning.
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.
We also demand that employers in federal and other jurisdictions to respect the rules on workplace health and safety committees and urge them to collaborate more with those committee members to ensure safe workplaces.
In 2020, over 1000 workers died in workplace related accidents in Canada, a similar statistic as in 2019; which is about 3 workers a day; 3 workers a day too many.
We join with the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety in their messaging:
We remember workers who have died, became injured, or have suffered from occupational disease while being on the job.
We commit to remember workers and preventing further workplace tragedies.
Respectfully and in Solidarity,
Kevin King
UNE National President