The National Day of Mourning is April 28 and every year workers mark the day by gathering in memory of those who died, standing in solidarity with those who were injured or became ill because of their job.
Pre-COVID-19, the North Central Labour Council would host a public event at the Workers Memorial in Prince George but because of the pandemic there will not be a public event this year. Instead, just a small group of representatives will lower the flags to half-mast in respect of lost brothers and sisters.
Over the past two years friends, colleagues and family members were lost to the pandemic, many of whom got sick at work. Others are still dealing with the effects of long-COVID.
Each year more than 1,000 workers are killed at work, and hundreds of thousands more are injured or made sick because of their jobs.
Employers must take responsibility for identifying and eliminating hazards in their workplaces and in their supply chains.
Everybody has the right to refuse unsafe work and can’t be bullied by their employer into doing unsafe work.
There is a lot more work to do to make sure everyone goes home safely at the end of each day.
