National Day of Mourning

On this National Day of Mourning, we remember all workers who lost their lives on the job, who were injured or who were made ill by workplace hazards. We honour these fellow workers, not only through our remembrance but also with our commitment to the fight for workplaces that are safe and healthy. No one should have to sacrifice their well being or life for their job.

The Day of Mourning was created by CUPE members more than 40 years ago. For many years, we worked with allies in the labour movement and with the New Democratic Party to win official recognition of April 28 as a national Workers’ Day of Mourning.

This year we commemorate in particular the loss of two CUPE members: a member of CUPE/Power Workers’ Union Local 1000 who died in March; and a member of CUPE 5167, City of Hamilton, who died in April and whose fellow roads operator was also seriously injured in the same roadside accident.

The loss of these CUPE members will further inspire our work to prevent work-related deaths, illnesses and injuries.