This is one question workers should never have to wonder about. Unfortunately, it’s still a relevant issue in 2010. Across the country, more than 1,000 workers die each year as a result of a work-related accident or illness. The situation is far from getting better, since the number of work-related deaths keeps increasing. Despite the efforts of unions and labour federations to force governments to legislate stricter health and safety standards and controls, governments are loathe to provide the resources required to enforce them. As a result, employers are still not being held responsible for these deaths. This situation needs to be exposed.

For over a quarter-century now, April 28^th has been a National Day of Mourning for workers killed or injured on the job. In over 20 countries, people will stop for a moment to recall a friend, coworker, parent, sibling or relative who has died at work, a victim of a dangerous workplace. April 28^th is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the poor working conditions we too often have to work under.

According to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), the number of workplace accidents and occupational diseases that resulted in death and that were covered by workers’ compensation reached 1,036 in 2008, a 28% increase compared with 1996. All employers are involved, including Canada Post, where work-related deaths have occurred in the past year: some of our sisters and brothers left home and family for their work shifts, never to return.

So, on April 28^th, let’s do our best to remember these fallen workers and the suffering of those they left behind. Let’s commit to forcing employers and governments to meet their obligation to provide safe and healthy work places. Let’s work to improve and strengthen health and safety measures and standards and enforce them in the workplace.

The Union asks that on Wednesday, April 28^th, you observe one minute of silence at work, in memory of our sisters and brothers who have died as the result of a workplace accident or injury.

An injury to one
is an injury to all.