The York University Staff Association (YUSA) joins workers across Canada in observing the Day of Mourning on April 28, 2026, a solemn national day dedicated to remembering workers who have been killed, injured, or made ill because of their work.
The Day of Mourning is not only a time of reflection, but also a call to action: to renew our shared commitment to preventing workplace harm in all its forms, and to strengthening the protections that ensure everyone returns home safely at the end of the day.
At York University, many staff work in office-based and administrative environments that may appear low-risk compared to other sectors, but still carry real occupational health and safety concerns. These include ergonomic injuries from prolonged computer use, stress-related illnesses, psychological hazards, inadequate workload distribution, and the often invisible impacts of chronic overwork. Safe work is not only about preventing accidents. It is also about designing work in a way that protects both physical and mental well-being.
YUSA emphasizes that health and safety in office environments must include a proactive approach to ergonomics, mental health supports, and reasonable workloads. Workstations should be designed to prevent strain and injury, and staff should have access to proper equipment, training, and accommodations.
Equally important is the recognition that psychological health is workplace health. Stress, burnout, and fatigue are not inevitable aspects of modern work. They are risks that can and should be managed through thoughtful policy, adequate staffing, and supportive supervision.
Work-life balance is central to this vision. Employees perform best when they are not overextended, when boundaries between work and personal life are respected, and when they are given the time and autonomy to recover and recharge. YUSA continues to advocate for fair scheduling practices, reasonable expectations, and flexible arrangements that allow staff to thrive both professionally and personally. These are not luxuries. They are essential components of a safe and sustainable workplace.
As a union, YUSA plays an active role in promoting safer working conditions by negotiating protections, supporting members in health and safety concerns, and collaborating with the University on joint health and safety committees. However, meaningful progress requires collective effort. Employers, unions, and workers all have roles to play in identifying hazards, speaking up about risks, and implementing practical solutions. When all parties engage in good faith, workplaces become not only safer but more equitable and humane.
On the Day of Mourning, YUSA honours those we have lost and reaffirms its commitment to preventing future tragedies. We encourage all members of the York community to reflect on how safety, respect, and balance can be strengthened in everyday work life. Together, we can continue building a culture where health and safety are not afterthoughts, but fundamental values guiding how work is designed and experienced.
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