AUPE members seriously injured in worksite accident on highway 16

On December 16, a vehicle struck two Emcon construction workers, both AUPE Local 118 members, who were performing pothole repairs on highway 16. An ambulance rushed one member to hospital, and a STARS helicopter ambulance airlifted the other member to a different hospital. A third member was also at the worksite, but thankfully escaped any injuries.

On behalf of our AUPE family across the province, we offer our support and solidarity to our union brothers. They are in our thoughts and wish them a swift recovery.

We don’t know much more about the accident right now. AUPE members working for Emcon, together with AUPE staff, are investigating and waiting for more details.

Regardless of the factors that led to this workplace accident, we expect Emcon to pursue a robust and reinvigorated focus on worksite safety moving forward. As of now, we know that Emcon has stopped all pothole related work until further notice. Every worker deserves to make it home safely at the end of their shift.

We will share more information as it becomes available. We will explore every option available to stand up for AUPE members and hold the employer to account.

Please keep our brothers in your thoughts. We are grateful for your support and solidarity.

In solidarity,
The Emcon negotiating team
The Local 118 Chapters 024, 025, 026, and 027 executive
Vice-President Bonnie Gostola, Chair of AUPE’s Occupational Health & Safety committee