WHITEHORSE: Yukoners are invited to the Workers’ Memorial in Shipyards Park to commemorate the Day of Mourning. The event will also be streamed online at the Yukon Federation of Labour’s Facebook page and the YFL website at 2:00 pm on Sunday, April 28.
The Day of Mourning presents an opportunity to honour those who died in work-related incidents or as a result of occupational disease, and reflect upon workers who have been injured on the job.
In 2023, 687 workers were injured in the Yukon, of those 380 required time away from their jobs to recover. There were no confirmed workplace fatalities.
Quotes
On the Day of Mourning, we remember the lives lost and the families forever changed by workplace incidents. It’s a day for us to unite as a community, recommitting ourselves to ensuring the safety and well-being of every worker.
– Yukon Federation of Labour President Teresa Acheson
Prevention is key, there is no greater way to honour those who have died or suffered injury or illness in the workplace than to take action. Let us continue to work together to build a culture of safety—to ensure all workers return home at the end of each day.
– President/CEO Kurt Dieckmann
Quick facts
- Every year, on April 28, the nation pauses to remember friends, colleagues and family members who have died or have been injured as a result of a workplace incident or injury. On this date, we renew our commitment to health and safety in the workplace.
- The Canadian Labour Congress declared it an annual day of remembrance in 1984, and the federal government entrenched it in 1991 in the Workers Mourning Day Act.
- Outside of Canada, the day is commonly referred to as Workers’ Memorial Day. It is observed in more than 80 countries.
Related information
Contact
Heather Avery
Manager of Communications and Social Marketing
Workers’ Safety and Compensation Board
Phone: 867-332-4794
Email: heather.avery@wcb.yk.ca
Teresa Acheson
President
Yukon Federation of Labour
Phone: 867-456-8250
Email: yfl@yukonfed.com
More info: WSCB