| April 28,
2007 National
Day of Mourning 2007
This Saturday at the Steelworkers Hall, Sydney, NS, local
labour leaders, politicians, fire fighters and legion personnel gathered to observe the
National Day of Mourning recognized always on the 28 April of each year. This year, in
particular, saw a larger than usual attendance with leaders from the national, provincial
and local levels from not just the labour movement but also all walks of life.
Following the formal piping in of the colours from the
Branch 12 Royal Canadian Legion and 'O Canada' played by the 587 Whitney Pier Air Cadets a
minute of silence was observed by all attendees for those lost during workplace accidents.
After opening remarks from Wendy Walsh, treasurer of the CB
District Labour Council and Vice President CAW local 596, CBRM Mayor, John Morgan spoke of
the plight of all workers. Mr. Morgan said that workplace safety is a right not just for
the unionized workers but all workers unionized and non-unionized, this point acknowledged
by all.
Gary Fukala followed with an introduction of the Executive
Vice President of the Canadian Labour Congress, Barb Byers, who moved those listening.
With stark realism she gave those present a reality check that over 1000 workers are
killed in the workplace every year. She implored the activists present to lobby
legislators to enforce laws such as Bill C-45 to insure safe work environments and to ask
for action from all levels of gov't to act when called upon by labour.
Politicians: Tom Wilson, Frank Corbett, Keith Bain, Gordie
Goss were present but the most poignant speech came from MP, Peter Stoffer. Mr. Stoffer,
whose father was a letter carrier, drew the connection between free trade issues and why
we as a local should be concerned with international issues and the injuries it causes
abroad. For example, the turning on a light switch here in Cape Breton is the result of
coal being burned and power generated while poor Columbian strip mine workers die in the
largest coalmine that CB imports it's raw material from.
Mr. Stoffer also spoke, off the cuff, about CNR and how
deregulation in the rail industry has lead to a drastic increase in workplace accidents.
We as a local know now that CPC's current president, Moya Greene, played a large part in
the privatization of that company because of deregulation of that industry on the backs of
its workers resulting in more workplace injuries and accidents because of self regulation.
Mr. Stoffer also said that the National Day of Mourning is a day to be revered and summed
up his speech with the CUPW slogan' "The struggle continues…"
Following a few speeches, all groups present laid memorial
wreaths with closing remarks from Tom McNamara, president Strait Labour Council. To close,
587 Whitney Pier Air Cadets performed 'God save the Queen' and the Legion colours were
formally piped off. All present had a chance to mingle during the light snack and
refreshments that followed.
The ceremony was a very good opportunity for Breton local #
117 to pay homage to those that have lost their lives in workplace accidents. It was not
entirely solemn, very informative and we as the local's executive respectfully ask that
more Breton members be in attendance for next year's event.
The struggle continues…
In solidarity,
//signed//
Robert Garnier
Secretary Treasurer
CUPW, Breton local #117
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