Cliff Wellicome, an executive for ILWU Local 500, says that he has lost over 10 co-workers in workplace accidents in his 30 years working as a crane operator. (CHERISE SEUCHARAN / STARMETRO)

Cliff Wellicome, an executive for ILWU Local 500, says that he has lost over 10 co-workers in workplace accidents in his 30 years working as a crane operator. (CHERISE SEUCHARAN / STARMETRO)

From The Star Vancouver:

Workers, their families and officials from government and labour organizations gathered in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Saturday to remember those killed on the job at the annual Day of Mourning.

Cliff Wellicome, a crane operator and an executive with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 500, was one of hundreds of people gathered near the Olympic Torch at Jack Poole Plaza, its flame lit for the ceremony.

He stood with other ILWU members who wore poster boards emblazoned with the names of fellow workers who had died on the job.

“I’ve got 30 years on the job here and I’ve probably lost over 10 people now in that span, doing the job that I do,” Wellicome told StarMetro. “It tears your heart out … you see the family that’s left behind.”

First held by the Canadian Labour Congress more than 30 years ago, Day of Mourning ceremonies are observed across the country on April 28, with 39 taking place in B.C.

More at The Star Vancouver