April 28 is the Day of Mourning

A time to mourn for the dead and fight for the living.

The Industrial Revolution brought many changes to society and workers in particular. There was a migration to the urban factories where large families could find a source of regular income that would supplement the seasonal farm income. However, for many workers this was a short lived source as they found themselves being injured and disabled from the uncaring and unsafe workplaces where profit was the word of the day.

Injured workers as well as widows and orphans only had recourse to the courts to gain any compensation for their dead or disabled family members. Unions were the only place they could turn to for help. Many workplaces had a worker's benevolent fund that assisted with expenses for the families in need.

In Ontario the first Workers Compensation Act came into law on April 28, 1914. Since then, Canadian unions have honoured April 28 as an annual day of remembrance for workers killed and injured on the job.

The CLC formalized this process in 1984 and designated April 28 as a National Day of Mourning. Since 1984, led by unions and labour councils, the Day of Mourning observances have become more widespread. They have reached into the communities by encouraging the participation of municipalities, social action groups and other non-governmental agencies.

Brother Rod Murphy, MP for Churchill, Manitoba, introduced private members Bill C 223, 'An Act Respecting a Day of Mourning for Persons Killed or Injured in the Workplace', which became law on February 1, 1991. The short title became Workers' Mourning Day Act and official recognition was finally given by Canada's Parliament to the significant price paid by workers who tried to earn a living.

The workers of Canada are not alone in observance of this special day. In the U..S, the AFL-CIO has adopted April 28 as Workers' Memorial Day. The International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) holds observances at the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development in New York. Altogether, April 28 is recognized and observed in 100 countries world-wide making it a truly Global event.

Events on April 28 will always include a service of respect as we 'mourn for the dead' as well as some form of action as we 'fight for the living'. Workplace events such as a minute of silence at 11:00 a.m. as well as community events have been the focus of rededication to prevention as well as compensation. All workers, their families, their communities and the public are directly affected by workplace death, injury and diseases. We must continue the struggle.