April 28 – Day of Mourning | BC Nurses' Union

April 25, 2024

Each year, we remember those who have lost their lives, were injured or suffered illness on the job

On Sunday, April 28, workers, families, employers, and others will come together for the Day of Mourning, an annual event held around the country to remember workers who have lost their lives on the job or suffered illness due to injury or exposure. It is also a day to renew our commitment to creating safer workplaces for all.

To amplify your act of remembrance, please identify and report potential safety hazards in your worksite to your immediate supervisor or manager. You may also contact a BCNU steward or member of your workplace Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee. Visit the BCNU Member Portal and look under "contacts" to find your BCNU regional occupational health and safety representative.

HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE
This year, ceremonies are being held in communities around BC. Visit Day of Mourning BC to find the ceremony nearest you.

If you are unable to attend an in-person ceremony, please visit Day of Mourning BC at 10:30 a.m. on April 28 to participate in an online ceremony followed by an important moment of silence and special video to recognize those workers lost.

HONOUR A FALLEN WORKER
If you would like to leave a note in honour of a fallen family member or co-worker, please visit the Day of Mourning commemoration site.

Now an international observance, the declaration of April 28 as the Day of Mourning began here in Canada. In 1984, unions in Sudbury, Ontario, adopted the day as one to publicly acknowledge workplace injuries, illnesses, and deaths. The date of April 28 was chosen to reflect the anniversary of the day Ontario passed the Workers' Compensation Act in 1914. The Canadian Labour Congress held its first day of remembrance in 1986. On April 28, 1991, following passage of an Act in Parliament, Canada recognized its first National Day of Mourning for Persons Killed or Injured in the Workplace.