Day of Mourning April 28th

April 28th is a Day of Mourning for thousands of Canadian workers who are killed or injured on the job each year, or who die from work-related diseases.  This day provides an opportunity for the labour movement to remember these workers in public events.

But Day of Mourning is also a time to insist that all levels of government must do more to enforce existing health and safety laws and vigorously prosecute violations when a worker is killed or seriously injured. 

Members can show their support at a ceremony at the following locations:

Bathurst:  Friday, April 28th at 12:00 pm (noon).  Day of Mourning Monument near Sacred Heart Cathedral, Douglas Avenue For more information, contact:  John Gagnon at 506-545-0651

Fredericton:  Friday, April 28th at 11:45 a.m.  Fredericton Firefighter Memorial, south bank of Saint John River (63 Brunswick Street). For more information, contact:  Tyler McCready at 506-999-2251

Moncton:  Friday, April 28th at 12:00 pm (noon).  Gathering inside Rodd Moncton, then walk to the Cenothaph in Bore Park. For more information, contact:  Keith LeBlanc at 506-609-0148

Saint John:  Friday, April 28th at 12:00 pm (noon).  Day of Mourning Monument, Frank & Ella Hatheway Center at Rockwood Park. For more information, contact:  George Vair at 506-672-1412

Miriamichi:  Friday, April 28th at 6:00 p.m.  March from City Hall to the Monument behind the Kin Center, 100 Newcastle Blvd.  For more information, contact:  Gail Baker at 506-622-4315

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

April 28, the National Day or Mourning, is the most somber day of the year for workers and the labour movement. On this day, the labour movement takes a pause to give thought to all workers who suffer from injury or employment-related illness, and grief is shared for those who lost their lives on the job. In reflecting on the events of the past year, our vow must be to mobilize, lobby and educate to avoid any future tragedy.

In 2015, the most recent numbers available, 852 workers in Canada died at work leaving devastated families, friends, co-workers and communities behind from coast to coast to coast.  Sadly, 852 lost lives is not an anomaly; in fact it’s typical.  On average more than 900 workers have died each and every year for the past quarter century.  This is not acceptable.  More must be done.

Canada needs to get toughter on mandating safe workplace environments and our union must speak out to draw attention to this important issue.

It was 25 years ago this year when 26 miners lost their lives in the Nova Scotia’s Westray mine disaster.  The theme for the 2017 Day of Mourning is “Remember Westray.  Enforce the law.”  Unifor joins unions across Canada to demand that government hold corporations, directors, and managers, accountable in every way, including criminally, should they fail to protect the safety of their employees.

Together we can and do make a difference.

On the last National Day of Mourning, Canadian unions demanded a national ban on asbestos, which was later announced by the federal government in December of 2016.  Unifor will continue to fight for immediate implementation of the ban to forever eliminate this deadly substance from our country.

This year, I ask that you carry the message of workplace safety and workers’ rights beyond the Day of Mourning and forward with you on each and every day.

In solidarity,

National President                                              Director, Health, Safety and Environment