May 12, 2021   SOURCE: BusinessWire

Steelworkers Mourn Loss of Two Members

United Steelworkers (USW) Ontario Director Marty Warren says the union is mourning the death of two USW members who were killed on the job at National Steel Car. Fraser Cowan died on Sept. 2, 2020, and Collin Grayley died on April 23, 2021.

“Our condolences and support go out to Fraser’s and Collin’s families,” said Warren. “I am deeply concerned. Two fatalities within eight months is cause for alarm. I am calling on the Ministry of Labour to conduct an immediate and thorough review of the health and safety program at this workplace.”

“While both deaths are being investigated by the Ministry of Labour, the USW will thoroughly conduct our own investigation, make recommendations and continue our goal to ensure that any worker that goes to work is able to return safely to their families at the end of their shift,” Warren added.

“Our union has been fighting for justice around workplace deaths for nearly three decades,” said USW National Director Ken Neumann. “We fought politically for amendments to the Criminal Code to hold employers, their directors and executives accountable for workers dying on the job. And for most of the last decade we have been calling for better enforcement of those provisions.”

“When we say an injury to one is an injury to all, we mean it,” added Warren. “The province’s Attorney-general must direct law enforcement and Crown prosecutors to do more to ensure justice. Fraser Cowan’s and Collin Grayley’s families deserve no less.”

For more information visit the USW website: www.usw.ca.