National Day of Mourning

Just about every week somewhere across the country 20 workers on average will die on the job or die from job caused illnesses like asbestosis and cancer. In British Columbia an average of three workers die each week, 2,600 work injuries are reported every week, and 17 workers are permanently disabled every working day. This is unacceptable and we must do more to prevent these injuries and deaths.

April 28th is the National Day of Mourning. This is a day where Canadians from coast to coast will attend ceremonies to recognize workers who were killed on the job. It’s a day where we will collectively demand more action from governments and employers to end this carnage.

Among the many workers who will be remembered on April 28th, here in BC CUPE members will mourn and remember Jo-Ann Fuller and Ivan Polivka, two paramedics who died in the line of duty on October 19, 2010. For as long as I live I will never forget the image of where their ambulance broke through the median and went over the cliff. I saw this spot while I was driving to Tofino for the memorial service for Jo-Ann and Ivan.

The National Day of Mourning is symbolized by a canary. The tiny canary was once the only safeguard mine workers had against danger in the workplace. If the canary died, it was a signal to evacuate the mine. This morning I attended along with other members from our Executive Board the BC Federation of Labour, Canadian Labour Congress, and Vancouver and District Labour Council’s tribute to workers who have been injured on the job or died of an occupational disease.

I ask you to always think about safety when you are on the job. Not only for yourself but for all of your co-workers. We all have an obligation to look after each other. Let’s make sure everyone gets to go home after work.

In solidarity,
Paul Faoro
President, CUPE 15