April 28 is the Canadian National Day of Mourning. It was initiated by unions almost four decades ago and officially recognized by the federal government in 1991. This day is dedicated to remembering workers who have lost their lives or suffered injury or illness on the job or due to a work-related tragedy. It is also a day to recommit to making every workplace safe and healthy.
31 Saskatchewan workers died last year as a result of their work.
This year also marks the 50th anniversary of Saskatchewan passing Occupational Health and Safety Legislation. The legislation was ground-breaking, and enshrined workers’ three rights into law – the right to know, the right to participate, and the right to refuse.
It is important for us to continue to recognize workers who have contracted COVID-19 at work and who became sick or died as a result and the ongoing, immense human cost that COVID-19 has had on workers, particularly health-care workers, worldwide.
Workers around Saskatchewan will be gathering to mark this day. The Saskatoon and District Labour Council is holding a commemorative service at Civic Square, 222 – 23rd Street East, at 6:00 p.m. Please consider attending.