A grassroots labour initiative, Injured Workers’ Day is observed every June 1 to celebrate and advance struggles for better supports for all injured workers, whether unionized or not. It is not a federal observance yet, but the labour movement in a growing number of provinces is on board.
Ever since a 1983 rally to demand improvements to Ontario’s Workers’ Compensation system, a gathering at Queen’s Park on June 1 commemorates the day and raises awareness – the day is now also recognized by the Ontario government and by some of the provincial labour federations. Activities differ from one province to another. In Ontario the Injured Workers Community Legal Clinic sponsors a month of actions leading up to this day, including a vigil today, May 31. Members in Nova Scotia, British Columbia, and other provinces can check with their provincial labour federations.
Not-so-fun Fact: The WSIB in Ontario [Workplace Safety and Insurance Board] sometimes has a surplus at the end of the year. This money could be reinvested into improving benefits for injured workers. Instead, Ontario’s Ford Government refunds most of the money to employers. Workers must make ourselves heard!
The Injured Workers Online site offers real-world advice and solidarity to injured workers, and chronicles efforts to make the workers’ compensation system in Ontario more equitable and accessible.
Find out what is happening in your province and join a rally if you can. Every province does workers’ compensation a bit differently, but they all have this in common: the system only improves when we demand it and show up.
