Laval, April 26th, 2010 -- As reported by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), 1036 workers died on the job in Canada in 2008, slightly fewer than the 1055 deaths recorded the previous year. Also, every year, 942,478 workers are injured on the job.

“These figures go beyond understanding,” said the president of Teamsters Canada, Robert Bouvier. “More than ever, workers, trade unions, employers and regulators need to work together to find a way to eliminate this terrible curse.”

Thus, the National Day of Mourning is held annually on April 28 since 1991. The Teamsters Union has been actively involved in the event for several years now. Phil Benson, the Teamsters Canada lobbyist on Parliament Hill, as well as members of Ottawa-based Local Union will be underlining this unfortunate event’s anniversary in their own special way.

Furthermore, the Canadian flag on Parliament Hill will fly at half-mast.

“Our organization actively promoted the idea of flying the flag at half-mast a few years ago,” explains Mr. Bouvier. “I believe that, at minimum, the families of the disappeared and injured need to know that we have not forgotten them.”

The Teamsters Union will not give up until occupational deaths and injuries have been eliminated.

The National Day of Mourning is celebrated in close to 80 countries and is recognized by the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions among other bodies.


The Teamsters Union represents 125,000 members in Canada in all trades. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, with which Teamsters Canada is affiliated, has 1.4 million members in North America.

Information:
Stéphane Lacroix, Director of Communications, Teamsters Canada
514-609-5101