Today marks the national Day of Mourning here in New Brunswick and across the country.
It’s meant to remember those workers who lost their lives or were injured while working.
President of the New Brunswick Federal of Labour Daniel Legere says this year, they are also recognizing the effects COVID-19 is having on workers, “It has shown cracks in our healthcare system and in our public services. It has also demonstrated who the essential workers really are, too many people take for granted. Over the past year, New Brunswick workers have kept food on our tables, essential goods in our cupboards, taught our children, cared for our loved ones and kept critical institutions running.”
He says there is evidence across the country that shows us that the virus is spreading at work, not only in health care settings but also in factories, meat works, warehouses, schools, offices, transportation and other sectors.
He believes, workers have had to fight for access to appropriate, effective protective equipment, COVID-safe practices at work, paid sick leave and respect for their basic health and safety rights. “Earlier on, we received calls around protective equipment and protocols, and what to do if they were forced to work in an environment that isn’t safe.”
Legere adds that many of these problems existed before the pandemic, and that has led to too many preventable deaths.
Every year, approximately 1,000 Canadian workers die because of a workplace injury or an exposure that happened at work.
Worldwide, about 2.7 million workers lose their lives at work every year.
Small ceremonies have been held in several communities over the past few days, to recognize the Day of Mourning.
