From the membership: April 22nd was the Workers’ National Day of Mourning
Every April 22nd workers observe a day of mourning to remember comrades who were injured, killed or made sick because of hazardous workplace exposures. The event is always observed on April 22nd regardless of the day of the week. Fortunately this year it fell on a Sunday so workers could attend without missing work.
The Waterloo Regional Labour Council hosts the event locally with the location alternating between Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge. This year the ceremony was held at Riverside Park in Cambridge which is just south of the 401 and not far from Kitchener. Jeff Pelich, the WRLC President, acted as the master of ceremonies. Sherri Roberts spoke first on behalf of Cambridge mayor Jan Liggett, and she was followed by Regional Chair Karen Redman. Brian Riddell, the Conservative MPP from Cambridge also attended and spoke. This is a little surprising given that it was Doug Ford’s Conservative government which passed Bill 124 during the pandemic limiting wage increases and bargaining for the public sector. Bryan May, the MP for Cambridge spoke next and told Brian Riddell that weather falls under provincial jurisdiction. The crowd enjoyed that quip because there was a lot of rain falling that morning.
After the elected officials spoke, two union leaders addressed the crowd to advocate for safer working conditions and greater accountability for employers who kill or injure workers. Greg Bobier, Business Manager of the Waterloo Wellington Dufferin Trades Council went first, and he is a mainstay at these events because of the hazardous nature of the work performed by his members. Marty Warren, National Director for Canada of the United Steelworkers, spoke passionately about the need for the Westray Law which expands liability for employers if their workers are killed on the job. Pastor Jenn Urquhart closed the solemnities with a heartfelt plea to remember those who have died and to fight for the living. WLUSA/OSSTF Members and the broader WLU community can take her words to heart by ensuring that our University community is a safe place to work and learn.
