CUPE Local 500 > News/Media > News Archive > April 28 is National Day of Mourning

April 28 is National Day of Mourning

April 23, 2018 at 12:06 PM

profile_zoom_text_3.pngApril 28 is the National Day of Mourninga time when workers, families, employers, unions and others come together to remember those who have lost their lives to work-related incidents or occupational diseases.  Since 1978, fifteen Local 500 members died due to a workplace accident or illness.

All Local 500 members are encouraged to attend one of the events being held to help pay tribute to fallen and injured workers.  Please remember to consult with your supervisor if you wish to attend one of the following ceremonies:

City of Winnipeg - Annual Workers Day of Mourning Ceremonies:

Friday, April 27, 2018

Main Ceremony:

-       City Hall Court Yard - 9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

-       Coffee Reception to follow in the Grace Café

Worksite Ceremonies:

-       Public Works - 960 Thomas Avenue, 7:30 a.m.

-       Water and Waste - 552 Plinquet Street, 7:30 a.m.

-       Public Works/Water and Waste - 1155/1199 Pacific, 10:30 a.m.

CUPE LOCAL 500 Members Killed ON THE JOB SINCE 1978

Ron Smith

June 16, 1978 - He was hit by a car while painting street lines on Portage Avenue.

Les Tillett

May 16, 1979 - He died on the job in the former Operations Department.

Bill Lauder

August 23, 1983 - He was hit by a car while doing construction work on St. Mary's Road.

Kelley DeKeruzec

January 17, 1984 - He was accidentally run over by a vehicle in a city works yard.

Arthur Diplock

September 5, 1985 - He had a fatal heart attack while practicing for the endurance test required for his job as an instructor guard.

Gordon Arndt

November 17, 1986 - He was hit by a runaway refuse truck.

Hubert Brick

January 11, 1988 - He was bitten and crushed by a camel at Assiniboine Park Zoo.

Bill Bester

June 24, 1988 - A trailer at the landfill site fell on him during a windstorm.

Manuel Silva

July 17, 1989 - A road packer he was operating rolled onto its side.

James Halstrom

May 31, 1995 - A regulating gate at Slave Falls Hydro Generating Station toppled onto him.

Len Blanco

January 7, 2000 - A branch struck him while engaged in tree pruning operations.

Doug Prysiazniuk

September 1, 2007 - He died while performing bridge inspection and maintenance work.   

CUPE LOCAL 500 MEMBERS WHO DIED FROM AN OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE SINCE 1978

Jerry Goldenberg
Walter Kolbert
Peter Sweryd