Today, we honour and remember those who have lost their lives, suffered injury or illness on the job or experienced a work-related tragedy. This year marks 39 years since the inception of the National Day of Mourning – established in 1984 by the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC).
In recent years, National Day of Mourning ceremonies have commemorated workers who died from COVID-19 – including many who worked on the frontlines to keep our communities, across Ontario, safe during the pandemic. Over the past few years, there have been a high number of workplace illnesses and deaths due to COVID-19, and frontline workers continue to face risks.
While we mourn, we must not be complacent. We must remain active in our commitment of keeping ourselves, and each other, safe. Take this time to reach out to the most vulnerable workers among us, young workers, and support them.
The OPSEU/SEFPO Disability Rights Caucus (DRC) hopes that everyone will mark this day, not only with respect and remembrance, but also with a renewed dedication to ensuring that no equity-deserving workers among us are left behind.
We must empower each other. We must unite. This year on April 28, we must hold our heads high and continue to fight for the greater good – for safer working conditions for all!