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Dear sisters and brothers,

April 28 is the day on which we remember those who have been killed or injured on the job.

This year the United Steelworkers is helping organize one of the largest commemorations in Canadian history.

Despite all the progress we have made, men and women continue to be killed and injured at work. Changes to the Criminal Code of Canada in 2004, the Westray Bill, gave prosecutors and police the power to go after companies and management who do not protect their employees or the public. Only 3 charges have been laid. Only one prosecution has been successful.

Thousands of workers have died and hundreds of thousands are sick and injured. Enforcement is lax. Drunk drivers and people who abuse animals get sent to jail. When will those who kill and maim workers suffer the same fate?

Last Christmas Eve, four workers fell to their death and a fifth seriously injured when the scaffolding they were working on collapsed at the 13th floor of a high rise.

On April 28, 2010, our National Policy Conference with support from the Toronto Labour Council, Ontario Federation of Labour, Building Trades, affiliated unions, injured workers, and community groups will congregate on Nathan Phillips Square in the heart of Canada’s busiest city to sent a message to Bay Street and Parliament Hill. Stop the Killing! Kill a worker and go to jail.

In communities around North America, Steelworkers will be gathering to deliver this message everywhere they are. Join us – in Toronto or in your community. Help send a message!

Ken Neumann
Canadian National Director