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Workers gathered for the Day of Mourning ceremony at Bruce Power

Laying of the wreath and a minute of silence in remembrance

For almost 25  years, April 28th has been a 'Day of Mourning' where workers take time to stop, recognize and honour injuries and loss of life of those in the workplace across Ontario, Canada and in more than 100 countries around the world.

At the Bruce Power Nuclear site workers, union partners and the Grey-|Bruce Labour Council gathered on Thursday to honour those who had been injured or lost a life since the inception of the nuclear project with an annual Day of Mourning ceremony.

"This ceremony needs to solemnly pay tribute to those who have been killed or injured in all workplaces but must also bring focus to the suffering caused by hazardous working conditions and exposure to hazardous substances," says Dave Trumble, Chair of Bruce Power's Day of Mourning ceremony.

Don Mackinnon, President of the Power Workers Union, asked why so many die on the job.  He compared the lost to that of wildlife in Canada.  "There were 500 birds lost in the tailings of the Alberta Tar Sands and there was a huge public outcry and, yet, there were over 2,000 workers lost on the job in Canada and no-one said anything.  As a society, it seems we are more prepared to accept or tolerate workers who are injured or killed on the job and then hold events like this to honour them."

Kristy Parsons

Kristy Parsons, representing young workers, said that safe equipment was a key in safety on the job and that employees should be aware that they have the right to refuse unsafe work conditions.  " ... every employer and employee must respect the safety regulations and laws that are put in place ..." .

Ian McGinty, EVP Bruce Power

Following the indoor ceremony, piper Bruce MacLean lead participants outside where a wreath was laid at the cairn bearing the 11 names of those who have died at the Bruce site since its inception followed by a minute of silence.

Piper, Bruce Maclean, leads the way outside to the cairn of names

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Saturday, April 30, 2011