Davis Day Statement from the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour

Honouring William Davis, 100 Years Since His Sacrifice

On June 11, we will come together to remember and honour the life and sacrifice of William Davis, a coal miner from New Waterford, Nova Scotia, who was tragically shot and killed 100 years ago. Ceremonies will take place in many small former coal mining towns in Nova Scotia. Davis’s death marked a turning point in the fight for workers’ rights, and his legacy continues to inspire us to stand firm for fairness, safety, and dignity in the workplace. William, or “Bill” as he was known, was more than just a coal miner. He was a husband, a father, and a proud member of his community and union.  

On June 11, 1925, he joined his fellow miners in standing up to the British Empire Steel Corporation (BESCO), a powerful company that controlled the coal mines in Cape Breton. At the time, miners faced hazardous working conditions, long hours, and low pay. They were striking for fundamental rights, such as fair wages and safer workplaces, and for the survival of their families. That day, a group of miners, including Bill, went to the company’s power plant to demand that their electricity and water, which had been cut off, be restored. The company police refused, and in the violence that followed, William Davis was shot and killed. His death sent shockwaves through Nova Scotia and beyond, and the miners’ struggle became a symbol of the fight for workers’ rights everywhere.

Each year since 1925, workers, unions, families, and communities have gathered on June 11 to observe Miners’ Memorial Day, also known as Davis Day. It is a day of mourning for those who have lost their lives in the mines, a day to honour all who have fought for workers’ rights, and a day to renew our commitment to standing together for justice.

William Davis gave his life standing “the GAFF,” a term miners used to describe their fight against injustice and oppression. His sacrifice reminds us that rights and protections in the workplace were not given; they were hard-won through courage, solidarity, and sacrifice. William Davis’s story inspires us to keep pushing forward, to protect what we’ve achieved, and to demand better for future generations.

On this 100th Davis Day, let us pause to honour the memory of William Davis, to reflect on his courage, and to stand united in our commitment to fairness and dignity for all workers. Together, we will continue to carry his legacy forward in the challenges we face 100 years later as we continue to stand the GAFF for workers’ rights. Let us never forget our past struggles.