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Day of Mourning: April 28
WHSC/CALM
More than 20 years ago, the Canadian Labour Congress declared April 28 a national day of mourning for workers injured or killed on the job.
Since 1984, unions, labour councils, workers’ families and communities gather by the thousands to mourn for the dead. An event that began through the efforts of Canada’s labour movement is now observed in more than 100 countries.
On April 28, to honour those who have lost their lives or their health you can:
- encourage others to attend a Day of Mourning event
- draft a message for your organization's publication or website
- work with local media to promote the day's significance, write about worker monuments and cover Day of Mourning events
- lobby politicians to recognize the day through a proclamation
- invite faith communities and social justice groups to observe the day
- ask employers and public institutions to lower flags to half-mast.
The Day of Mourning is also for focusing attention on hazardous working conditions. On this day, and every day, you can:
- educate others about basic health and safety rights and prevention measures
- help social justice and other groups educate at-risk members of our communities
- negotiate greater decision-making power for worker representatives and joint committees
- make health and safety a collective bargaining priority
- encourage local media to report on health, safety and environmental issues
- encourage federal and provincial politicians to support ergonomic and violence regulations and stronger enforcement of existing law
- create monuments to promote public awareness of workplace health and safety.
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