April 28 is the annual National Day of Mourning for Workers to remember those who tragically lost their lives on the job and to recognize those who endured an injury or acquired an illness or disease as a result of their work. Sadly, 39 workers in Saskatchewan lost their lives because of work-related incidents last year in 2022, not including farm-related fatalities or other workplaces that are not covered or reported by workers’ compensation.
We mourn and remember the CUPE members who died because of work in 2022:
• Sherri Anne D’Amour, CUPE 5167, Ontario
• Michael Boulanger, CUPE 4705, Ontario
• Wilmer Gonzalez, CUPE 2740, Saskatchewan
• Gérald Gauthier, CUPE 375, Québec
These anniversaries highlight the importance of advocating for improved workers’ rights to safe working conditions – and to ensure employers and governments are held accountable for work-related injuries, illness and death. The Workers’ Day of Mourning was 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.
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 on Friday, April 28, 2023.