Our Hearts go out to his family
Media Release
Unifor mourns the loss of telecommunications worker in Peterborough
July 4, 2017
Toronto/ Montréal – Unifor is mourning the loss of Éric Labelle, 47, who passed away yesterday after being electrocuted on the job in Peterborough.
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.”
Labelle lived in St-Colomban, Québec and had been seconded to work in Ontario. 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.
The investigation into Labelle’s death is currently underway. In honour of all who have died while working to earn a living, Unifor calls 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.
Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing more than 310,000 workers. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers unions merged.