Day of Mourning Statement from the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers, Inc.

The Day of Mourning is a day to remember that all too often workers are still paying the cost of unsafe workplaces, with their health and with their lives. The impact on families, colleagues and communities is enormous. When any worker is killed or suffers debilitating illness or injury due to work, it is an avoidable tragedy.

On the job injuries, illnesses and deaths are preventable. Their elimination requires continued vigilance and commitment on the part of employers, government, advocates and workers themselves — as well as necessary protections for those who speak up and fight for their right to safe and fair workplaces.

The Day of Mourning is a time for people to reflect, to grieve and to acknowledge that attention and action is still needed. We remember those who have paid the price, and the suffering caused to their loved ones and communities.

Every worker has the right to come home at the end of the day, and to not suffer injuries and illnesses due to their jobs. Events are taking place Monday and Tuesday across Ontario to honour the meaning of the Day of Mourning, and to make a promise to stand up for worker safety. At the designated time of 11am on Tuesday April 28, no matter where we are, we can honour this moment and pause for the cause of workers’ rights and the prevention of tragedies caused by unsafe workplaces.

For a full list of DOM events across Ontario, see the Ontario Federation of Labour website