The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) is joining occupational health and safety advocates from across the globe to observe the International Day of Mourning on April 28, 2025.
AUPE is a long-time champion of the Day of Mourning and the promise it represents—a future without workplace fatalities. Sadly, with a record 203 workplace deaths in Alberta last year, that future remains out of reach.
Every year, we mourn with the families and friends of workers who lost their lives simply because they went to work.
Every year, we demand more must be done to ensure that Alberta’s workers have the protections they need to return home safe when their work is done.
Every year, this message is ignored by those who have the power to change these outcomes for workers in this province.
Nearly all workplace injuries and deaths are preventable with proper legislation, training, and worksite safety protocols.
Again, this year, we demand the Alberta government make workers and occupational health and safety a priority and strengthen OHS legislation.
Again, this year, we demand new funding for worker safety training and resources.
Again, this year, we call on employers to create robust safety protocols that values the lives of workers.
Again, this year, we will continue the fight for a future without workplace fatalities.
Read more on the Day of Mourning and Alberta’s worker fatalities
Day of Mourning ceremony
Please join our annual Day of Mourning ceremony in-person or stream it on Facebook Live.
Monday, April 28
10:30 a.m. (MST)
AUPE Headquarters
10025 182 St NW, Edmonton, AB
2025 Rolyn Sumlak Award
The Rolyn Sumlak Award was created by AUPE Local 012 to recognize the union’s occupational health and safety advocates. The award was named for Rolyn Sumlak, a Local 012 member who was killed on the job in 1990 while working for the Government of Alberta. AUPE’s Occupational Health and Safety Committee presents the award annually and it is considered one of the union’s highest honours.
This year, the Rolyn Sumlak Award will be presented to two deserving AUPE members and health and safety advocates; Sandra Mill (Local 001) and Paulette Harrison (Local 052).
