April 28: Day of Mourning for Workers Killed on the Job

Table officers and staff of COPE 378 joined politicians and activists from other unions at the Vancouver Art Gallery this morning to observe the Day of Mourning for workers killed on the job. April 28th marks the date when the labour movement, the affected families and our supporters join together to remember and honour these lost lives.

The Art Gallery Day of Mourning was hosted by the BC Federation of Labour and the ceremony was officiated by Vancouver & District Labour Council President Bill Saunders. Saunders was joined mayor Gregor Robertson, the Vancouver Fire Rescue Honour Guard, and families of hurt and killed.

Over the last year 121 workers were lost their lives in workplace accidents, according to the Workers Compensation Board (WCB). While the reported fatalities are down from 160 in 2008, there is still work to be done. As BC Federation of Labour President Jim Sinclair noted, the provincial government has yet to implement any of the coroner’s recommendations following the investigation into the tragic bus accident in 2007 which killed three farm workers.

Resources:

• BC Fed Day of Mourning Poster
• Asbestos-related Research, Education & Advocacy Fund website – AREAfund.ca
• Federal government undermining workplace safety: Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives

Second photo credit: Josh Berson