19th century coal miners carried a canary to tell if the air in the shafts was fit to breathe. If the oxygen was low or coal gases were at a dangerous level the bird would be the first to react and warn the workers to get out. The canary saved many lives and has become a symbol for worker's health and safety. |
April
28 National Day of Mourning for Workers Killed or Injured on the Job
April 28th, 1984: The Canadian Labour Congress established the Day of Mourning. Since then, we have made gains.
On March 31, 2004 employers became more accountable with the enactment
of Bill C-45, Amendments to the Criminal Code.
Continous struggle has brought
us stronger laws and regulations and better collective agreement provisions.
Still, every year, hundreds die and thousands are injured. We need to do
more.
To find out more about the Day of Mourning, visit the CLC
website.
Other resources:
Message from
the National Health and Safety Policy Committee
April 27 CLC Communiqué
Dying for a job
CBC News Online | April 22, 2006 |
