Twenty-five years ago, on May 9th, a thunderous explosion in the early morning shook the community of Plymouth, Nova Scotia. Methane gas mixed with coal dust fed the explosion causing immediate death for the trapped miners.
Supreme Court Justice K. Peter Richard identified the true cause for the 26 deaths. His report from the public inquiry identified corporate negligence and incompetent management as major factors in this disaster. Basic safety measures had been ignored, including an inadequate ventilation system. Despite Justice Richard’s findings, no one was ever charged or held responsible for the 26 fatalities.
One positive legacy from this disaster is the Westray Bill. Thanks largely to the hard work of the United Steelworkers, changes to the Criminal Code were enacted in 2004. The Westray Bill imposed serious penalties, including prison, for workplace violations where criminal negligence resulted in injuries or death.
Shamefully, over 10,000 workers have died since the Westray Bill was enacted, and yet there have only been 11 prosecutions, with one person sent to jail. This case is now under appeal. At issue is a lack of enforcement.
On this the 25th anniversary, as a result of political pressure from the broader labour movement and its partners, the federal government has announced that it is prepared to work with the provinces and territories to help ensure the Westray Bill is applied more effectively. At issue is better training for labour inspectors and police officials, to make sure they work together when a serious injury or workplace fatality occurs.
On this important day, the labour movement mourns for the 26 workers who died needlessly, 26 families who are left without their fathers, brothers and sons. We also recommit to fight for the living, to ensure all workers return home safe and sound at the end of each and every workday. We must never see another Westray disaster.
Mary Shortall, president
Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour
