It was twenty years ago that the Canadian Labour Congress declared April 28th the National Day of Mourning for workers who have been killed or injured on the job. Each year since, Labour movements, Unions, families and other community groups gather to “mourn the dead”. What began as a Canadian tradition, the National Day of Mourning is now observed by more that 100 countries around the world, making this landmark day an international day of remembrance.
April 28th was also significant in the introduction of a compensation system in Ontario. In 1910, Sir William Meredith, Commissioner was appointed to investigate the possibility of a compensation system. After almost four years of investigation and debate the third reading of the Bill took place on April 28th, 1914. It was on this day that the first compensation system in Canada was born. The basic principles that Meredith suggested the compensation system be based are still in effect today although the system itself has undergone many changes over the years.
On April 28th we need to honour those who lost their lives or paid the price with their health while on the job. We can do this by attending (and encouraging others to attend) Day of Mourning events in our area. We can educate our brothers and sisters. We can lobby our politicians to recognize the Day through proclamation. We can lower flags to half-mast. We can encourage our community partners to observe this Day.
This Day is also designed to focus on awareness and prevention of workplace injuries and making our workplaces safer for all workers. What we all can do is educate our brothers and sisters on basic health and safety rights and preventative measures. We can make health and safety a bargaining priority. We can lobby for improved regulations and increased enforcement of the legislation that currently exists. We can promote public awareness of workplace health and safety and encourage our community partners to do the same.
This year on April 28th, please remember those who died or were injured on the job by participating in the National Day of Mourning.