Today we remember all those whose lives have been affected by death or injury in the workplace.
April 28 is the National Day of Mourning. It was first declared as such by the Canadian Labour Congress in 1984. It is now observed across the country as a way to pay tribute to individuals killed, injured, or stricken with illness in the workplace.
“The best way for us to honour those that have lost their life while on the job, is to do our part in building safer, healthier workplaces,” Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan said in a press release. “Every worker has the right to return home safely at the end of the work day.”
To mark the National Day of Mourning, flags at all government buildings have been lowered to half-mast from sunrise to sunset. Locally, the Moose Jaw & District Labour Council will hold a virtual candlelight ceremony on their Facebook page.
The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) is calling on the government to do more to help the province's workforce.
“Safe workplaces are always a priority for the federation of labour, but it’s even more pressing during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the provincial government talks about re-opening Saskatchewan, we need concrete plans to protect workers,” said Lori Johb, president of the SFL. “The provincial government must legislate paid sick days for workers, raise the minimum wage so our frontline heroes can make at least $15 an hour, and make sure all workers have the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) they need.”
There were 36 workplace fatalities in Saskatchewan last year.
