Injured Workers’ Day was observed across Ontario on June 1 with events supported by the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL). The day featured rallies and speeches aimed at advocating for better support and recognition for workers injured on the job.
“For decades, injured workers have been leading the fight for justice for workers injured on the job,” said Laura Walton, President of the OFL. “We echo their call for a comprehensive compensation system that covers all workers and real income supports that lift injured workers out of poverty.”
In Toronto, over 100 people gathered at Queen’s Park for a rally that included speeches from injured workers and their supporters. One of the key figures at the event was Jamie West, Ontario New Democratic Party (ONDP) Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Sudbury and Official Opposition Critic for Labour.
Earlier in the week, West spoke about his injured workers’ bill, which passed its second reading on Thursday.
“I’m advocating for June 1 to be officially proclaimed as Injured Workers’ Day in Ontario,” said West. “Injured workers should never feel invisible, and this day will ensure they are recognized by the government.”
Additional rallies took place in London and Windsor, while injured workers in Thunder Bay marked the occasion on May 30. These events were led by the Ontario Network of Injured Workers’ Groups (ONIWG).
“As we gather to commemorate our 41st Injured Workers’ Day, we have much to celebrate, including recently announced reviews that should benefit injured migrant workers and the passage Thursday, on second reading, of MPP West’s Injured Workers’ Day bill,” said Willy Noiles, Acting President of ONIWG. “We look forward to seeing West’s long overdue legislation becoming law in time for June 1, 2025.”
In April, the OFL launched its Injured Workers’ Bill of Rights, an initiative aimed at promoting the demands of injured workers across Ontario.
“While we fight to win the supports that injured workers urgently need, we also fight to ensure the best health and safety standards in all Ontario workplaces,” added Walton. “Prevention is key to ensure no worker becomes injured or ill at work, and that all workers make it home safe at the end of the day.”
The Ontario Federation of Labour represents 54 unions and one million workers in Ontario. It is the largest provincial labour federation in Canada.