Ninety-three years ago today, June 11, striking coal miners in Cape Breton marched to the Waterford Lake power plant, as they battled against harsh treatment by their employer. After reaching their destination, company police began firing at the unarmed miners, killing William Davis and wounding others.
On this day, Davis Day, we pay tribute and reflect on the memory of William Davis, all miners who have lost their lives on the job and what their sacrifices have meant for workers’ rights and workplace safety in our province.
Today is also a chance to acknowledge the legacy of our coal miners, whose hard work sustained communities and is a significant piece of Nova Scotia’s rich history.
Davis Day serves as an important reminder of the tremendous contributions those before us have made, and that every employer in Nova Scotia must remain vigilant to ensure the health and safety of all workers is at the forefront of every workplace.
On this day, we all must renew our commitment to workplace health and safety, so that every Nova Scotian who goes to work in the morning returns home safely at the end of the day.
Source: Release