On April 28, Canada marks the National Day of Mourning to remember workers who have been hurt, made sick, or lost their lives because of their jobs. This year, PSAC and Canada’s unions are calling on governments and employers to do more to protect workers –especially from dangers we can’t always see. 

Health and safety at work isn’t just about what’s right in front of us. Many job hazards are invisible, like breathing in harmful chemicals or being exposed to traumatic events. These can lead to serious health problems that don’t always show on the outside. That’s why this year, unions are shining a light on these hidden hazards. There’s an urgent need for both stronger safety regulations and better enforcement to protect workers. 

In 2023, more than 1,000 workers died in work-related incidents in Canada, and over 274,000 people missed time at work because of an injury, an increase from the previous year. The numbers show that too many people are still being hurt at work in preventable incidents.  

This isn’t just about accidents – it’s about systems that are failing workers. Too often, safety takes a back seat to profits. But that needs to change. The cost of doing nothing is too high and is shouldered by workers. 

On this National Day of Mourning, we remember those we’ve lost, and we promise to keep fighting for those still on the job. We’re calling on employers, politicians, and all Canadians to make safety a priority. Let’s make sure every worker is protected – because no job is worth a life.