Today is the National Day of Mourning, which is used to commemorate those who have died, become sick, or were injured as a result of their job.
Grey Bruce Labour Council says the theme of this year’s observance is “Know Your Rights; Use The Tools; Defend Our Wins”, which is aimed at supporting workers to participate in workplace health and safety.
When they held an event a Bruce Power on Thursday, they had as many as 300 people in attendance.
Dave Trumble, who is the vice president for the Grey Bruce Labour Council says that not all workplace-related deaths, illnesses and injuries are caused in an instant.
He says that “What the numbers fail to identify is the number of people that have been exposed [to] asbestos, for example, at some past point in their work life, and later succumbed to that later on in life.”
The purpose of the day is not only to remember those who were lost or had their lives permanently altered by workplace accidents, but also to empower workers to advocate for safe work environments for themselves and their colleagues.
Trumble says that every year, there is a work-related theme, and that “This year, it’s asking workers to exercise their rights: The right to refuse unsafe work, the right to know the hazards in your workplace, and the right to participate in the resolution of safety concerns in the workplace.”
The number of lost time claims is almost 24,000 more than what was reported in 2020.
Traditionally, the flags on federal government buildings are lowered to half-mast, including the one on Parliament Hill.
The National Day of Mourning was established in 1984 by the Canadian Labour Congress.
Grey Bruce Labour Council is hosting an event at the Hanover Town Square at 10:30 and will be chaired by past-president Hazel Pratt-Paige.
