April 28 is the National Day of Mourning, a 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, fourteen 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
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Main Ceremony:
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. City Hall Court Yard or Council Building (if inclement weather)
- Coffee Reception to follow in the Council Building – 2nd Floor
Worksite Ceremonies:
- Public Works - 960 Thomas Avenue, 7:00 a.m.
- Water & Waste - 552 Plinquet Street, 7:30 a.m.
- Public Works/Water & Waste - 1155/1199 Pacific Ave., 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 OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE SINCE 1978
Walter Kolbert
Peter Sweryd
