Twenty-five years ago, in 1984, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) launched what was to become a worldwide remembrance for workers killed on the job.
April 28th is observed as a National Day of Mourning in more than 20 countries. In 1991, Canada was the first country to adopt the day as a national event.
In 2007, according to the latest report from the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), 1,055 people lost their lives at work.
That’s four people every work day:
• Dead because their workplace was not safe.
• Dead because they got injured.
• Dead because they got cancer.
• Dead because they were attacked.
Four people every day who never come home again. Dead because their employer failed to ensure they were safe at work.
This abdication of responsibility from governments and employers must be challenged.
The MGEU’s National Union (NUPGE) has created a poster to display in workplaces and around your community. Click here to download a pdf version or contact the MGEU Resource Centre at 1-866-982-MGEU(6438) to receive additional copies.