GATINEAU, Que. – United Steelworkers/Syndicat des Métallos Local 9005 is denouncing the lack of action by the Quebec government to protect road traffic control workers following a worker’s death yesterday afternoon in Gatineau. The worker was killed while performing road traffic control duties as part of a snow-removal operation following a massive winter storm.
“We wish to convey our condolences to the family of this worker, who was contributing to the huge snow removal effort following this major storm,” said Isabelle Fagondo, Vice-President of Steelworkers Local 9005, which represents more than 1,000 road traffic control workers in Quebec.
“Such a death is not normal, and it’s not acceptable. You have to be able to do your job in complete safety, without fear of being injured or killed,” Fagondo said.
The fatality, the 23rd death of a road traffic control worker in Quebec since 2008, occurred as the Steelworkers union is stepping up its demands for greater regulation and oversight of the sector.
The union has been requesting a meeting with Quebec’s Transport minister for nearly a year and last week held a symbolic funeral march outside the minister’s office in Quebec City.
“Last week, we planted 22 crosses in front of the Minister of Transport’s office – one for each of the fatalities since 2008. We had three extra crosses with us, demonstrating our fear of more victims to come, and that fear has been justified,” Fagondo said.
“It’s the Wild West out there, and workers are paying for it with their lives. Was there an operations plan for the snow removal work where this worker lost his life? Did the company comply with road traffic control and signage standards? These questions must be asked. Beyond this tragedy, the entire industry needs to be better regulated,” she added.
The United Steelworkers/Syndicat des Métallos, affiliated with the FTQ, is the largest private-sector union in Quebec, representing more than 60,000 workers in all sectors of the economy.
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