Worker's Memorial DayIn 1984, this day became Workers' Memorial Day, an annual day of remembrance, by the declaration of the Canadian Union of Public Employees. The day is now recognized internationally to respect persons killed or injured in the workplace. The Canadian Parliament passed an Act in 1991 officially making its National Day of Mourning to be 28 Apr, the anniversary of the comprehensive Workers Compensation Act it passed in 1914. Over the centuries, the pace of invention has created increasingly large-scale manufacturing, chemistry has introduced new toxic chemicals, and new workplace related diseases and illnesses have appeared. Although the public expects safe conditions at work, politicians too often pander to wealthy profiteers, and safeguards still remain inadequate. This Day promotes safety awareness.« |
