Photo Courtesy: Shawn Salo
PETERBOROUGH-Unifor the union says it is mourning the loss of Éric Labelle, 47, who passed away Monday after being electrocuted on the job in Peterborough.
They say Labelle was a seven-year employee at Expertech, a telecommunications network installation company operating in Ontario and Quebec.
“The thoughts and prayers of our entire union are with Éric’s family during this very sad time,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “His death is a poignant reminder that we must continue pushing employers and the government that work is safe for everyone.”
An investigation into Labelle’s death is currently underway. Police were called to the area of Brealey Drive near Parkhill Road around 3:30pm. Roads in the area were closed and power was knocked out to a number of homes.
Labelle leaves behind a wife and four children. He was a member of Unifor Local 8284 in St-Léonard, Québec.
“You can be certain that our union is following the investigation to ensure that the regulations and guidelines surrounding health and safety were followed,” said Unifor Québec Director Renaud Gagné.
Unifor is calling on all levels of government for stronger enforcement of the law, with increased safety inspections and harsh penalties for those who would protect profit over people.
“The pain of the injured and lives of those lost must not go unrecognized and unaccounted for,” said Dias.
