Statement from CUPE Alberta President Marle Roberts for the
National Day of Mourning on April 28th
The Canadian Union of Public Employees established the first National Day of Mourning in 1984. We did so to remember those brothers and sisters killed or injured on the job and to dedicate ourselves to fighting for safer work environments.
CUPE’s idea was quickly adopted by the Canadian Labour Congress and by other unions, and is now recognized in over 80 countries world-wide.
Today, we remember our own.
CUPE 4946 member Dellis Partridge was killed at work during his first shift as a bus driver with the Peace River School Division.
CUPE 30 member Harl Hawley, a pool service employee with the City of Edmonton, passed away suddenly while working at the Grand Trunk Recreational Centre.
Our thoughts are with their families, friends, and co-workers today.
Just last week, another CUPE 30 member was badly injured while unloading a City of Edmonton dump truck. His condition is still critical, and we hope his recovery is successful.
With these members in mind, we renew our commitment to our right to health and safety and to respect on the job.
The National Day of Mourning was born of the values of the union movement, to mourn the dead and the sick and the injured.
But let us fight, too, for the living. Let us fight for safe workplaces. Every day.
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