FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS
On April 28, we stand together as workers to remember and honour our Brothers and Sisters who have lost their lives or their health as a result of their work. This day is also a time for reflection—on how we failed to protect them, and on what we must do moving forward to prevent further deaths and injuries.
At 11:00 a.m. on April 28, we will observe a moment of silence to remember:
- All workers who have been killed on the job, injured, or stricken with occupational illness
- The children left without a parent
- Families facing hardship, loss, and deprivation
- Young workers who are injured or killed at significantly higher rates than mature workers
- Families and friends who must care for loved ones who are ill or injured because of work
The Day of Mourning was born from the values of the labour movement. It was created by working people to remind us that the fight for safe and decent working conditions continues.
As we reflect on the history of the Day of Mourning, take a moment to acknowledge those who came before us—those who fought and sacrificed to improve workplace safety. On this day of mourning, we ask you to pause, even briefly, to remember the thousands of lives lost in workplace incidents and to consider what each of us can do to help reduce those numbers.
Inadequate training, recklessness, and disregard for safe work procedures are not relics of the past. They continue to destroy the lives of Canadian workers and their families today. We must never lose sight of the fact that the Day of Mourning is not only about remembering those who have been injured or killed—it is also about renewing our commitment and strengthening our efforts to protect the living; here and now.
Jesse Medeiros, GVRDEU President Bruce Campeau, GVRDEU OH&S Officer
