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CAUT Statement on the National Day of Mourning 2018

(Ottawa – April 26, 2018) On April 28, the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) will join with unions and employee associations across the country to mark the National Day of Mourning in recognition of workers killed or injured on the job.

Family and friends of people who’ve died or been hurt at work will take the day to remember and recognize the sacrifices of their loved ones. This year, the focus of this solemn day has widened to include condemnation of violence and harassment in the workplace.

CAUT commends the federal government for addressing workplace violence through tough regulations, as well as developing Bill C-65 which promises to deal with sexual harassment as a workplace hazard.

However, more remains to be done before we can call our workplaces safe. That is why CAUT adds its voice with other unions to urge further measures:

  • Put in place whistleblower protection for those reporting harassment and violence on the job;
  • Hire more federal health and safety officers and train them properly;
  • Recognize domestic violence as a workplace hazard in order to raise awareness around the need for workplace risk assessments, training and safety planning.

As well, CAUT urges workers to speak out and seek support if they are victims. In 2018, we need to break the silence that has protected perpetrators of workplace violence and harassment for far too long.

Media contact:
Lisa Keller, Communications Officer, CAUT
(o) 613-726-5186; (c) 613-222-3530; keller@caut.ca