June 1, National Injured Workers’ Day statement from BCFED President Irene Lanzinger

May 31, 2017 | Statement

Vancouver--“Last year more than 100,000 workplace injuries and occupational illnesses were reported in BC. It’s an incredible toll on workers and their families.

June 1 is National Injured Workers’ Day across Canada, a day to stand in solidarity with injured workers for the restoration of dignity, respect and justice. Workplace accidents have tragic consequences and a lasting impact on the workers who experience them.

The BC Federation of Labour believes that every workplace injury is preventable. So June 1 is also a day to renew our demand that employers, the Workers’ Compensation Board and the provincial government to do more to keep workers safe on the job.

The well-being of workers is being compromised because safety rules are weak and not always rigorously enforced. Injured workers aren’t fairly compensated. And, employers whose negligence results in a worker being injured on the job or contacting an occupational disease are let off with a slap on the wrist.

The tragic legacy of 16 years of BC Liberal government is clear: weaker protections, no enforcement, no consequences for employers, and benefit cuts for injured workers.

As BC prepares for an historic political change, it’s positive that the new NDP government with the support of the Green Party will commit to taking action ‘to protect the safety of workers at work so that everyone goes home safely and that workers and families are protected in cases of death or injury.’”