Labour Day approaches. Many of us plan an event for the last weekend of summer. We close our cottages if we have one. We might go to the beach one last time if we live near water. We might plan that outing we meant to do all summer but just never got around to doing it. Not all of us take the time to think why we have set aside this weekend every year. Labour Day reminds us that our country is built upon the great labour of the workforce. It reminds us that people have taken risks everyday to make sure we receive our goods at our favourite store or on our front step. All goods get to us by those who manufacture them or deliver them. School bus drivers wake up each morning around 4:00am to carry our children safely to school. City bus drivers driver workers to their place of employment safely and on time. In 2014 over four thousand of us did not make it back home due to work related accidents. The number of those who died may have dwindled in recent years, but those of us who know history know that without an organized workforce we could see a much higher rate of work related deaths. Labour Day reminds us that we need the workforce to make our nation run. It reminds us that the workforce needs unions to keep them safe. Labour Day reminds us of the good unions can do for our nation and for those they serve. This weekend reminds us just how far we have come in terms of protecting our workers. I lived for many years in Hamiltion, Ontario, known for its steel mills. Each year Hamilton held a memorial for those who died in work related accidents at the monument dedicated to their memory outside the City Hall. Having lived in such a union town, I have a deep feeling of gratitude for workers who work so hard and give so much. I encourage you all to take the time this year and think about our workforce and what they do for our nation. Think about those who did not make it back home. Think about their empty place at their families’ tables. Think about where we would be without their efforts.
Nearly 5000 workers died
Statistic for worker deaths 1992-2012
Nearly 5000 workers died
Statistic for worker deaths 1992-2012
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