04/28/2022
April 28, 2022, marks the third Workers’ Day of Mourning since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. 40 years ago, CUPE members created this day to remember workers who lost their lives on the job and to inspire others to advocate to prevent further tragedies.
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The most recent statistics from the Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC) tell us that in 2019, 925 workplace fatalities were recorded in Canada. 882 were male workers, and 43 were female workers. Among these deaths were 29 young workers aged 15-24.
Add to these fatalities the 271,806 accepted claims (an increase from 264,438 the previous year) for lost time due to a work-related injury or disease, including 33,615 from workers aged 15-24, and the fact that these statistics only include what is reported and accepted by the compensation boards, there is no doubt that the total number of workers impacted is even greater.
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And it’s not just these numbers on which we need to reflect. With each worker's tragedy, there are loved ones, family members, friends and co-workers who are directly affected, left behind, and deeply impacted – their lives are also forever changed.
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We ask that you take a moment of silence today, Thursday, April 28th to honour lives forever changed.
