By Mary Giuliano
The annual day of mourning was observed on Friday, April 27, at 11 a.m. by the City of Fernie workers.
The Worker’s Memorial Day was begun by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) in 1984.
The official date of April 28 was chosen because it was on this day in 1914 that the third reading of the Workman’s Compensation Act took place. By 1985 the Canadian Labour Congress had officially declared April 28 as an annual day of remembrance for workers killed and injured on the job.
On December 28, 1990 the Government of Canada passed the Workers Mourning Day Act.
Since then this day has been observed in over 80 countries, the Canadian flag is flown at half-mast on Parliament Hill and employees have a moment of silence to remember and honour those lives lost or injured and to renew the commitment to improving health and safety in the workplace and to prevent further deaths, injuries and diseases from work.
City of Fernie workers gathered in front of City Hall by the dedication plaque on the rock on the lawn to observe the day.