April 28 – Day of Mourning – Now is the time to prepare

MEMORANDUM

Re: April 28 - Day of Mourning - Now is the time to prepare

Every year on April 28, we remember the millions of workers who have died or developed a disability or disease because of work. The CUPE Ontario Health and Safety Committee is committed to ensuring this day remains one of the most important days on the calendar and that these workers are not forgotten.

CUPE has always been at the forefront of recognizing this day. At our 1983 National Convention, a resolution was adopted to set aside a day to remember those who suffered a work-related fatality or life-altering ailment or disability. A year later, a similar resolution was submitted by the CUPE National Health and Safety Committee and adopted at the CLC convention. They chose April 28 that year as the Day of Mourning, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the Ontario government's approval of the first Worker's Compensation Act (1914).

Statistics don't paint an accurate picture of the toll occupational hazards have on workers. Research tells us most deaths and many injuries and illnesses caused by exposure to work-related hazards are never reported to or recognized by the compensation boards. Tragically, many people die from an illness without linking it to occupational exposure. The Workers Health and Safety Centre conservatively estimates that 2,540 Ontario workers died as a result of hazardous work last year, while an additional 353,312 suffered an occupational injury or illness.

This year, the Health and Safety Committee has developed a Day of Mourning ("DoM") campaign for CUPE members and locals to get active on social media and share pictures of events in their community. Here's how you can participate:

• Social media: Change your social media account's profile picture and banner to the CUPE Ontario Day of Mourning logo. Visit CUPE's Health & Safety page for additional resources.
• Attend a DoM event: Several events are planned across Ontario. The Workers Health and Safety Centre posts a list of events here. *(Check back if events are not yet listed.)*
• Share pictures of the DoM events: Send photos of you and your local's activities during events on April 28 to photos@cupe.on.ca and healthsafety@cupe.ca. Pictures will be shared on CUPE ON social media accounts and shown at the Convention and the Health & Safety and Injured Workers Conference.

Here are other ways you and your Local can participate

• Order DoM materials: Several items, including flags, t-shirts, posters, and bookmarks, are available. Visit the National website for materials - CUPE DoM Materials.
• Post DoM materials and information: Display information and materials on the CUPE bulletin board at your workplace.
• Involve others: Advertise events through emails, social media, and conversations with members.

A reminder that the Workers Day of Mourning Act, 2016 mandates that virtually all public sector workplaces in Ontario must fly their outside flags at half-mast every April 28. A complete list of those workplaces is available here.

Encourage your employer to fly the CUPE National DoM flag.

Mourn the dead. Fight for the living.

CUPE Ontario Health and Safety Committee