April 28 is one of the most significant days on the global labour movement’s calendar.
The Labour movement created the Day of Mourning to commemorate workers killed or injured on the job. It started with American unions, then Canadian unions, beginning with CUPE in 1983. Soon the Canadian Labour Congress joined in and began advocating for federal recognition, which came in 1990. April 28, 1991, was Canada’s first official National Day of Mourning. Each year since, the flag flies at half-mast on all federal government buildings.
Hazards Every Workday
UCTE represents members in a variety of workplaces. The hazards are just as varied. Here are a few examples: Our Coast Guard members include many ships’ crew and search-and-rescue technicians, who risk their lives regularly to protect mariners. Firefighters do the same, and for our airport fire fighters – as for all firefighters – the number one killer is cancer, due to exposure to various workplace carcinogens. Firefighters, advocating through their unions, have been making strides on getting better prevention and treatment.
Our Parks members are operating heavy equipment and working outdoors in all kinds of weather. They also interact with the general public, which always carries some risk of violence or abuse. Some of our members at Ports and Pilotage Authorities face all the hazards that come with being on rough waters in all weather conditions.
We do not overlook the federal public service, where there were close to five disabling injuries per million hours worked in 2022. That is much safer than some other workplaces where we represent workers, but there is always room for improvement.
More information and statistical analysis of hazards
Both unions and the government study workplace injuries rigorously. Statistics Canada publishes annual reports on workplace fatalities and injuries in federally-regulated sectors, and the transport sector is always significantly more dangerous than average, the elevated risks being mainly in road and air transport.
How we Commemorate Lost Workers
This PSAC post has more background and resources to help locals mark the day. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety also offers these posters and other resources.
Some organizations light candles; lay wreaths; wear commemorative pins, ribbons, or black armbands; and/or pause for a moment of silence. Your local district labour council may be organizing a ceremony: please consider attending or marking the occasion in your local if not. The Canadian Labour Congress publishes a listing each year of April 28 events.
Each life lost is one too many. Collective action makes us all safer!
