Every year, on April 28, we pause to recognize workers who have been killed or injured on the job. The Day of Mourning, created by CUPE members and first observed in 1984, is recognized by workers in communities across Canada and in more than 100 countries worldwide.
No one should die because of their work, yet in Ontario a worker dies almost every day because of workplace hazards and incidents. Worker deaths are tragedies not only for their families, but for the people they work with and for their communities. On this day, we stand in solidarity with workers around the world and share with each other a collective sense of loss.
By remembering those who have been killed or injured, we remember why we must continue to fight for the health and safety of workers. Our union bargains for health and safety rules to prevent such tragedies. We stand up for workers and provide the protection they need to feel secure in reporting incidents and workplace hazards. Through political action, we pursue laws to protect workers and make sure those laws are enforced.
Our Injured Worker and Health & Safety committees are working on new campaigns to raise awareness about workplace hazards, incidents and injuries, and to provide better support to workers who have been injured on the job.
On April 28, we ask all CUPE Ontario members to pause and remember our sisters and brothers who have lost their lives at work since the last Day of Mourning.
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