Today is the International Day of Mourning, a day typically set aside to recognize workers killed on the job. Yesterday was the ceremony in Victoria held at Camosun College and attended by dignitaries, MPs, MLAs and City Councilors. It was also a day with a new theme: violence and harassment are not part of the job.
When violence becomes normalized in the workplace, death is an inevitable consequence.
I was honoured to be one of the speakers at yesterday’s event and I spoke on the way in which violence is so embedded in some jobs, it is actually listed in their job description. I also gave my account of what it was like to be harassed on the job and how it felt to cry every day at my desk for months as I was bullied by my manager. It was a somber day that really highlighted the need for support of workers.
When violence becomes normalized in the workplace, death is an inevitable consequence. If we don’t support each other and demand protection in our jobs, we will forever be considered expendable pawns in the workforce.
In the foreground is me speaking. Beside me is MLA Mitzi Dean and MP Randall Garrison. (Photo credit to Kim Manton)
I did not know that 28th April was an International day of Mourning. It is a day of mourning for our family too; it was the day on which my son and thirteen others were killed when a platform built by the Department of Conservation collapsed into a chasm at Cave Creek near Punakaiki. Although it was not technically a work place accident it was for the Dept. Conservation Officer who died along with the student party he was instructing.
Virginia.
I am so sorry. This must be a terrible day for your family each year. I know it’s not helpful to what you are feeling, but know that you don’t grieve alone on that day. If you don’t mind telling me his name, I will say a prayer for him and the others killed that day.