April 28th marks the 30th National Day of Mourning - a day to remember and mourn those who have been killed or injured on the job. Hundreds of events are taking place across the country to observe the day, including several here in Manitoba.
Winnipeg Walk and Ceremony
A noon hour ceremony organized by SAFE Workers of Tomorrow took place today in downtown Winnipeg. Workers, representatives from labour and students walked from the Union Centre at Broadway and Smith, along Broadway to the Legislature to remind members of the public of the need for safe workplaces
Brandon Day of Mourning Ceremony
MGEU members took part in the ceremony held at 5:30pm at Brandon City Hall.
The Pas: Day of Mourning Rally
A rally was held in The Pas on the steps of Town Hall.
Thompson: Memorial Service
A memorial service took place at 7pm at the United Steel Workers Local 6166 Hall.
Selkirk: Memorial Walk
A morning walk was organized at Memorial Hall with MGEU supporters, including 1st Vice-President Wally Fletcher who spoke at the event, in attendance.
The Origins of the National Day of Mourning
The Day of Mourning was first observed in 1984 by the Canadian Labour Congress. It is a day set aside to remember and mourn for workers who have been killed or injured in our workplaces.
On December 28, 1990, the Parliament of Canada passed a private members Bill, sponsored by Churchill NDP MP Rod Murphy, officially declaring that day a national Day of Mourning. It was first held under that status on April 28, 1991.
Since then, the Day of Mourning has spread to more than 80 countries around the world and has been officially adopted by the AFL-CIO and the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions.