Each year during the National Day of Mourning the local Labour Council asks Coasters to take a moment to pause and recognize the many work-related injuries, diseases and deaths that occur each year in our province.
This year is no different.
"On April 28, we will recognize the deaths of workers and the resulting thousands of injuries that occurred in the province over the past year," said Sunshine Coast District Labour Council (SCDLC) president Stevo Knauff. "In B.C. last year, 121 lives were lost through industrial disease and accidents. When a worker dies or is injured on the job, it not only affects that worker, but also family and friends in the community."
The Labour Council will meet at the memorial plaque erected in Dougall Park in Gibsons on April 28 at 11 a.m. to recognize the National Day of Mourning. Knauff extends an invitation to anyone on the Coast who wants to take part.
According to the Canadian Labour Council (CLC), in the past few years there has been a significant increase in fatalities caused by occupational disease, much of which is asbestos related. However, the CLC suspects the majority of asbestos-related fatalities are not being compensated.
"Even worse is the fact that many of these deaths and injuries are attributable to employer actions or negligence and were entirely preventable had the employer adhered to current health and safety laws," the CLC stated in a news release.
The SCDLC works to represent the views and interests of working people on the Sunshine Coast, in an effort to stop preventable injuries, illnesses and deaths from occurring.
"Our request is that you take the time on April 28 to recognize the National Day of Mourning for workers killed and injured on the job, with a moment of silence," added Knauff. "Please take the time to hear from workers in the community who work hard to raise awareness of the need for safer workplaces."
For more information see www.sclc.ca.
