STELLARTON, N.S. – On May 9, 1992, a lethal build-up of methane gas led to the explosion of the Westray Coal mine in Stellarton, Nova Scotia.
The explosion killed all 26 miners working underground and forever scarred the communities of Pictou County. Since that time, family groups and the United Steelworkers union (USW) have worked together to honour the memory of those lost and to push for enforcement of the “Westray Law” to protect the health and safety of all workers.
May 9, 2017, marks 25 years since the Westray disaster and the USW, along with family members, elected officials and other unions will gather to commemorate the tragedy and continue the campaign to enforce the law.
EVENT #1:
WHEN: 6:45 a.m.
WHAT: Candlelight Vigil and Procession
WHERE: From Summer Street Industries, 72 Park St., New Glasgow, to Westray Memorial Park, corner of Park Street and Walkerville Road, New Glasgow, N.S.
EVENT #2:
WHEN: 4:30 p.m.
WHAT: Reading of “Hell’s History” by author Tom Sandborn
WHERE: New Glasgow Public Library, 182 Dalhousie St., New Glasgow
MAIN EVENT:
WHEN: 7:00 p.m.
WHAT: Memorial Service led by Rev. Glen Matheson, including wreath laying, remarks from USW Canadian National Director Ken Neumann, Nova Scotia Federation of Labour President Danny Cavanagh and Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil; performances by Men of the Deeps; the Halifax Fire Fighters Pipes & Drums.
WHERE: Westray Memorial Park, Corner of Park Street and Walkverville Road, New Glasgow, N.S.
Brad West, USW Communications, 604-313-9185, bwest@usw.ca
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