(Ottawa – April 28, 2021) Today is the second day of remembrance for workers killed on the job since the pandemic began.  On average 1000 workers die every year on the job in Canada. Although we do not know the full extent of the tragedy yet, it is likely more lives have been claimed at work than ever before due to transmission of COVID-19 in the workplace. 

Throughout the pandemic, it has become clear that those who must go to work to provide essential services, many of whom are racialized and immigrant workers, have suffered disproportionately.

Today we remember those who have become ill, injured or died at work. It is also a day to renew commitments to fight for enforced workplace health and safety regulations and better working conditions for all.

CAUT joins with other unions to call for paid sick days and increased wages for frontline workers. The rise of precarious work and the decline in real wages forces too many workers to show up when it is not safe to do so.

Every person should be able to go to work without the fear of being infected, injured or killed.