The Workers’ Day of Mourning was created by CUPE members more than 40 years ago to remember those who lost their lives on the job and to inspire workers to fight to prevent further tragedies.
On April 28, CUPE members across the country gather to honour workers who have been killed or injured on the job.
We mourn the loss of four members of our CUPE family in 2025:
Miguel Escalante Ledesma, CUPE 1000, Ontario
Nabil El-Ahmed, CUPE 5167, Ontario
Kulbir Kalia, CUPE 3338, British Columbia
Jose Castillo, CUPE 416, Ontario
We also mourn the very recent loss of the following members:
Richard Anstett, CUPE 79, Ontario
Neil Harris, CUPE 54, Ontario
We hope you will join CUPE members and workers around the world in renewing our shared commitment to preventing workplace injuries and deaths and ensuring the health and safety of all workers.
CUPE has also declared 2026 its Year of Health and Safety. Throughout the year, we are placing a special focus on strengthening our health and safety committees. Strong committees save lives. They identify hazards, prevent injuries and help ensure every worker returns home safe. We encourage locals to support their committees, empower worker participation and take action to improve health and safety in every workplace.