A blustery, rainy day didn’t keep a small number of Unifor members from honoring those who have lost their lives due to workplace injuries or illness.
During a National Day of Mourning ceremony on Friday, Unifor Local 127 president Jeff McFadden said Canadians benefit everyday from the labor of millions of workers “who give up large portions of their lives to provide us with everything that makes up modern life from providing power and fuel to finishing goods and moving and taking care of people.
“Sadly every year thousands of workers suffer from injury or illness because of their working conditions,” he added. “Horrifying, workers continue to die on the job as a result it.”
McFadden named off nine Unifor members from workplaces represented by the national union that have lost their lives due injury or illness since the last National Day of Mourning was held on April 28, 2022.
“They are not forgotten,” he said.
“Mourning for the dead and fighting for the living has been the slogan that reflects the need to remember those who have lost their lives,” McFadden said.
He added it’s also a strong reminder of the need to press for improved health and safety in our workplace, ensuring workers are protected from workplace hazards that can lead to preventable and needless death and serious injuries or illness.
Too many Canadians can name a victim of a workplace fatality, disease or injury, McFadden said
“The years have passed, but the work-related deaths statistics have not improved,” he said, citing an average of three Canadians die every day at work.
“As a society, we must do more to protect working people.”
McFadden said with summer coming up and young people taking on summer jobs it is important they “know they have the right to know (workplace safety measures) and the right to refuse work.
“Please take care of your families.”