THUNDER BAY — On Monday, nearly 80 people attended the First Wesley United Church to support International Day of Mourning those who have been seriously affected by workplace hazards.
“In a time of political unrest and as well as a political election, it's important to reflect back on our history,” said Steve Mantis, treasurer of the Thunder Bay and District injured Workers Support group.
Mantis told Dougall Media, the Day of Mourning was adopted by the Canadian Labour Congress 50 years ago and has since spread to over 100 countries.
“Something that started right here to recognize that people are oftentimes sacrificing their lives. Their health and their wellness, their ability to contribute all because of the risks in the workplace. That these risks are usually preventable, that we can always do more to be able to ensure, that workers come home safe every night after they go to work,” said Mantis.
He said this year’s day of mourning will highlight the invisible hazards that exist in the workplace. Those unseen threats like air quality and chemical exposure.
Invisible injuries and illnesses can be physical, causing chronic pain, but they can also affect a person’s mental health like stress, burnout and anxiety.
“Many workers feel invisible after they become injured or ill in the workplace. The speakers today all talked about how we really need to support each other, whether we're members of the union and have the support of the union, whether we were just neighbours, co-workers, family members, we need to care for each other,” said Mantis.
Mantis criticized the provincial government for giving corporations $2 billion in rebates through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) as part of an $11-billion corporate relief package aimed helping companies impacted by U.S. tariffs.
“Our provincial government just announced two weeks ago $2 billion that was put aside for workers when they become injured and their families is now going to corporations, corporations who have had record profits in the last five years, while workers are being denied,” said Mantis.
“Ninety-two per cent of workers with a mental health condition that happens at work, 92 per cent are denied. We say let's stop the handouts to the big guys. Let's support regular Canadians that are going to work every day to support our economy, to support our community, support their families. That's what's gonna build a strong Canada, not the rich getting richer."
