Workers’ Day of Mourning: April 28, 2025

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On April 28, we gather to mourn workers who have been killed, injured, or made ill because of workplace hazards or incidents – and recognize the lasting impact on their families and communities. Attend vigils on April 28 in Regina (City Hall at 5:30 p.m.), Moose Jaw (Union Centre at 6:00 p.m.), Saskatoon (Civic Square at 6:00 p.m.), and Weyburn (T.C. Douglas Calvary Centre at 5:30 p.m.).

In 2024, 27 workers in Saskatchewan lost their lives due to work-related causes, not including farm-related fatalities or other workplaces that are not covered or reported by workers’ compensation. 10 fatalities were due to occupational disease and 17 fatalities were from traumatic incidents (four motor vehicle collisions, equipment contact and drowning).

The Workers’ Day of Mourning is a call to “Mourn for the Dead, Fight for the Living ”, created by CUPE members more than 40 years ago to remember those who lost their lives on the job and to inspire other workers to fight to prevent further tragedies. Visit the CUPE Saskatchewan health and safety hub for more resources.

As trade unionists, we also know the importance of holding employers accountable to recognize and address the impacts of systemic understaffing – including the resulting stress and over work on the health of public service workers, the need to address and prevent exposure to violence on the job, and the importance of a psychologically safe working conditions and the prevention of mental health injuries. The health and safety of workers includes the prevention of mental health injuries from work, the prevention of suicide, and recognizing psychosocial hazards.

Attend a vigil in your community:

Regina & District Labour Council

  • Where: Regina City Hall (2476 Victoria Avenue) * In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony may move indoors to the Regina Union Centre (2709 – 12th Avenue)
  • When: Monday, April 28th at 5:30 pm
  • Contact: Dee Wagner, President, wagnerdee5@gmail.com

Moose Jaw & District Labour Council

  • Where: Moose Jaw Union Centre (1402 Caribou Street West) * The event will be held outdoors, however, in the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held inside the main hall. Annual vigil, wreath laying
  • When: Monday, April 28th at 6:00 pm
  • Contact: Deidre Wilson, President, mjdlcpresident@gmail.com

Saskatoon & District Labour Council

  • Where: Civic Square (222 3rd Avenue North, Saskatoon)
  • When: Monday, April 28th at 6:00 pm
  • Annual vigil, wreath laying. *If you would like to present a commemorative to your fellow workers, please register prior to the ceremony starting at 6:00pm.
  • Contact: Don MacDonald, President, sdlc@sasktel.net

Weyburn & District Labour Council

  • Where: T.C. Douglas Calvary Centre (#400-10th Avenue, Weyburn)
  • When: Monday, April 28th at 5:30 pm
  • Annual vigil, wreath laying
  • Contact: Wanda Bartlett, President, wbartlett@sasktel.net

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