April 28,2024
International Day of Mourning

Canada
According to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada, nationally:
• Every year, approximately 1000 workers die.
• Every day, nearly 3 workers die.
• Every year, workers suffer from 250,000 work-related injuries/diseases.
• Every day, workers suffer from 685 work-related injuries/diseases.

Internationally
More people die each year because of work than because of fighting in wars.
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), across the world:
• Every year, more than 2.3 million workers die
• Every day, 6,300 workers die
• Every year, workers suffer from 317 million work-related injuries
• Every day, workers suffer from 870,000 work-related injuries
• Every year, workers suffer from 160 million non-fatal occupational diseases
• Every day, workers suffer from 440,000 non-fatal occupational diseases
Of these fatalities, reportedly 2.02 million workers died as a result of occupational disease.

Around the world, every 15 seconds…
• 1 worker dies
• 151 work-related injuries are reported
• 76 non-fatal occupational diseases are reported

The Day of Mourning holds a significant place in Canadian labor history. At the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) convention in 1984, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) National Health and Safety Committee proposed a resolution advocating for the establishment of a day to honor workers who lost their lives or were injured on the job. This resolution found unanimous support among convention delegates. April 28th was selected as the date for this remembrance, as it marks the passage of the first comprehensive workers’ compensation act in the legislature back in 1914.

Officially recognized by the CLC on April 28, 1985, the National Day of Mourning has since become a vital part of Canada’s labor calendar. Since its inception, over 25,000 workers have tragically lost their lives due to work-related incidents or illnesses.

In December 1990, after persistent lobbying efforts by Canadian unions and the NDP, the federal government enacted Bill C-223, establishing April 28, 1991, as the inaugural government-recognized National Day of Mourning. The legislation succinctly states:

“Throughout Canada, in each and every year, the 28th day of April shall be known under the name of Day of Mourning for Persons Killed or Injured in the Workplace.”

This initiative resonated beyond Canadian borders. In 1989, the American Federation of Labor designated April 28th as Workers’ Memorial Day in the United States. The campaign to recognize this day also gained momentum in the United Kingdom (UK), with the Scottish Trade Union Congress (TUC) embracing Workers’ Memorial Day in 1993, followed by the UK TUC in 1999 and the UK Health and Safety Commission in 2000.

Further international recognition came from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Trade Union Congress (ITUC), which jointly declared April 28th as the International Day of Mourning in 1996. This global movement underscores the dual imperative to honor the departed while steadfastly advocating for the safety and well-being of the living.

The Right to Know

Workers have the Right to Know about any potential hazards in the workplace. You have a right to training and information on machinery, equipment, working conditions, processes and hazardous substances.

The Right to Participate

Workers have the Right to Participate in the process of identifying and resolving workplace health and safety concerns. They participate through worker membership on Joint Health and Safety Committees and reporting concerns to their supervisor or employer. Workers also have the Right to Participate in workplace inspections and investigations.

The Right to Refuse Unsafe Work

Workers have the Right to Refuse work they believe is dangerous to their own health and safety or to another worker. The Right to Refuse Unsafe Work is one of the few exceptions to the “work now, grieve later” rule in labour relations.

The Right to Worker Protection in Relation to Prohibited Action

You cannot be fired or disciplined for participating in Health and Safety activities.

Prohibited Action Defined:

• Suspension, lay-off, or dismissal
• Demotion or loss of opportunity for promotion
• Transfer of duties, reduction in wages
• Coercion or intimidation
• Discipline, reprimand