Each year the Machinist Union joins with Labour Nationally and Labour accredited Health and Safety agencies nation- wide in the effort to remember those tragically killed or maimed in the course of employment and, just as importantly, to continue to highlight the carnage and personal loss created by workplace accidents and disease. These efforts are critical to enhancing public awareness for our collective efforts to save lives and protect workers everywhere.
Recognizing that loss of life at work is tragic whenever and where ever it occurs, this year’s efforts are again more conspicuous by the horrific events of April 24, 2013,.The body count in the textile plant collapse in Savar Bangladesh was more than 300 and thankfully more than 2,300 workers were rescued. What is particularly significant about this event is that large cracks were discovered in factory’s walls two days before the collapse and nothing was done to protect the workers. Police ordered the evacuation of the building after discovering the cracks but the factory owners ignored the order and the factory was in full operation when it collapsed. It has been discovered that the building was approved as a five storey structure and the owner added an additional three storeys illegally. This disaster is the worst ever for the booming garment industry of Bangladesh, surpassing a fire five months ago that claimed 112 lives and then brought pledges to improve that country’s worker-safety standards. However, very little has changed in Bangladesh, where wages, amongst the lowest in the world, make it the choice for numerous global brands of clothing.
Here in Canada we can take heart in the fact that efforts of occupational health and safety activists everywhere are reflected in lost time injury results, but severity of accidents and resulting deaths remain abhorrent. The sad fact is, twenty six years ago we mourned the loss of fewer workers than we do this day!
The resulting cost in human life and suffering is tragic and heartrending. The cost in dollars to the Canadian economy remains staggering. Public awareness must continue to play a major role.
Many Local lodges plan Day of Mourning Events. Many more attend those events that are staged by local labour councils. Please heed the call by our International asking that we all encourage maximum participation.
Major gains have been made with the adoption of legislation that corporations, and those in positions responsible for the direction of workers, be subject to criminal liability for workplace accountability. Enforcement of those provisions remains an issue. The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) has undertaken political action to address this significant short-coming similar to what Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) has accomplished with regard to the carnage on our roads and highways due to impaired drivers. You can assist by supporting the CLC, your Federation of Labour and Labour Councils by writing to your applicable Premier, Justice and Labour Ministers, Solicitor General or Minister of Public Safety and Security. Sample letters can be attained from the CLC or our own national Health & Safety representatives.
In addition to legislative gains achieved, improvements are also reflected in collective bargaining. However, in light of the foregoing statistics, much more needs to be done.
‘Mourn the Dead, Fight for the Living!’