Dear Editor:
It’s that time of year when our thoughts go to the upcoming National Day of Mourning for Workers Killed and Injured on the Job, on April 28. It’s not just focussed on unionized workers who we remember, it’s all workers who become ill, suffer injuries or die because of their job.
Whether the job is in construction, health care, education, retail, services, or agriculture, we all know that workplace accidents has made an impact on someone. The impact radiates out to coworkers, family and community. Often, that impact is financial … a loss of family income, increased challenges navigating the supports for rehabilitation or health care, the loss of that person’s involvement in the community. Workplace safety is all our responsibility so everyone can make it home at the end of the day.
The first officially recognized National Day of Mourning for Workers was enshrined in federal legislation in 1991. The observance was established by unions many years earlier, and the date was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the day the first Ontario Workers’ Compensation Act was approved in 1914. The observance has spread to more than 100 countries and is recognized globally as Workers’ Memorial Day.
The National Day of Mourning has been observed in Hanover more than 20 years ago, when we met on the steps of the Woodworkers Hall, then later moved to the newly created Heritage Square. It was built on the site of a factory to honour the long history of furniture production in Hanover.
The Hanover event is open to the public, attended by families who have lost loved ones, workers and community leadership. The brief ceremony will be held at the Heritage Square in Hanover, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28.
Another public event is being held on Wednesday, April 22 at 10:30 a.m. at the Chesley Community Centre. This will be the third year of the National Day of Mourning for Workers to be held in Chesley.
Both events are sponsored by the Grey Bruce Labour Council.
Workplace safety is all our responsibility so everyone can make it home at the end of the day.
Please join us to show your support.
Hazel Pratt,
Grey Bruce
Labour Council member
