Our Condolences

On behalf of Unifor, the union we would like to offer our sincere sympathies during this difficult time.  We hope the memories you have with Clinton will comfort you. As we “mourn the dead and fight for the living”, the slogan from the Day of Mourning, we remember those who have lost their lives.  It also gives us a strong reminder of the need to press for improvements in health and safety in our workplaces, ensuring that workers are protected from the workplace hazards that lead to preventable needless deaths and serious injury or illness.

These catastrophic events have so much in common. The lives of the families of those who were killed, injured and diseased (or made ill) in these and other workplace tragedies, change them immeasurably. They often feel let down by a justice system that takes far too long to establish exactly how their loved ones died, or the circumstances that led to them suffering life-changing injuries or illnesses and diseases.

Occupational health and safety laws across Canada require employers to take every precaution reasonable to safeguard workers. When this duty of care is not met, they can be subject to compliance orders and prosecution. But when this breach amounts to a wanton or reckless disregard for the lives and safety of workers resulting in death or bodily harm, justice demands more. The Canadian labour movement, and United Steelworkers union in particular, lobbied for 12 years to amend the Criminal Code which is embodied in Bill C-45, also known as the ‘Westray Law’, which was enacted in 2004.

Although we feel that there is a need for new or improved health and safety regulations in a number of areas, even more urgently, we feel that enforcement of existing laws, including the Criminal Code Amendments, must be improved.

Collectively we must continue to send a message to all elected governments and law enforcement agencies of their obligation and responsibility to strongly enforce health and safety laws and regulations.

May time heal the sadness that you feel with the loss of your co worker and friend. During these tough times, know that you are in our thoughts and prayer.

Solidarity,

Tricia Brown
[email protected]

Hassan Mirza
[email protected]

https://join.unifor.org/kirchhoff_automotive