Day of Mourning Ceremonies Remember Workers Killed, Injured or who suffered Illness due to their job
April 26, 2013 at 1:37 PM
Today, CUPE members along with many other organizations and labour groups have remembered workers who were killed, injured or who suffered illness due to their job. Ceremonies marking the National Day of Mourning for 2013were held in various locations throughout our city and province.
Local 500 President Mike Davidson joined MLA Dave Gaudreau, the Mayor, city officials and other civic union leaders to mark the event at a ceremony held at city hall this morning.
"As we take time today to remember those who have lost their lives, been injured or became ill, I ask you to do more than reflect on the importance of health and safety, I ask you to think about the families who have lost a loved one through an unnecessary workplace accident or occupational illness," said Davidson.
Since 1978, fourteen Local 500 members died due to a workplace accident or illness.
"Safety and health must come first," said Davidson. "Workplace tragedies must be prevented. And making a living should never mean dying."
The Day of Mourning was founded based on a resolution written by CUPE's National Health and Safety Committee in 1984. What began as a Canadian tradition is now observed by more than 100 countries around the world, making this landmark day an international day of remembrance.
