On April 28, Local 1006A encourages all members to reflect on the National Day of Mourning and remember the thousands of workers killed, injured or made ill at work.
With the onset of the third wave, rising numbers of workers are being affected by COVID-19 at work. The physical and emotional toll on our members has been immense.
“Workers are the backbone of our community and economy, and they deserve to be safe,” said President Wayne Hanley. “The pandemic has taken an immense toll on the frontline workers who keep our province and country running. Behind every worker affected is their families and loved ones, and we, as a union, will continue our fight to protect the health and safety of all workers.”
In addition to advocating for enhanced safety protections throughout the pandemic for workers in all sectors, 1006A is also calling for paid sick days to further keep workers and our communities safe.
The National Day of Mourning is an annual tradition that was started by the Canadian Labour Congress in 1984. Today, it is observed in more than 100 countries around the world.
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 925 workplace fatalities were recorded in Canada in 2019: “882 were male workers, and 43 were female workers. Among these deaths were 29 young workers aged 15-24.”
These deaths are on top of the more than 270,000 accepted claims made in 2019 for lost time due to work-related injury or disease. Link to be provided.
“The lives that are lost will never come back,” said President Hanley. “I encourage all our members to take the time to reflect on this important day and raise awareness for change.”
Virtual events will be taking place across the province to mobilize members and the public to take action to help keep all workers and workplaces safe. To find a virtual event in your area, please visit: https://www.whsc.on.ca/Files/Events/DOM-2021_Virtual-Events-Listing_Apr22_web.aspx
Together, we reaffirm our vow to help eliminate workplace deaths, injuries and illness.
