A CUPE member was killed on the job over the weekend near Carignan, Quebec.
Members of CUPE 3333 (Bus drivers for the Réseau de Transport de Longueuil) are mourning the loss of Claude Davidson, who was hit by a passing truck after the bus he was on swerved off Highway 10, likely because of poor road conditions.
The bus was transporting a group of RTL drivers and their families to Lac-Mégantic for a snowshoeing excursion. Five passengers suffered minor injuries from the initial accident. Davidson, one of the passengers, was struck and killed after he exited the vehicle to check for a leak after others were concerned about a gas smell.
“On behalf of CUPE members across the country, our deepest condolences go out to members of local 3333, and the family and friends of Claude Davidson,” said CUPE National President Mark Hancock. “He gave his life trying to protect others. It was a heroic gesture that unfortunately ended in tragedy.”
CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer Charles Fleury also offered condolences.
“We were deeply saddened to hear of Claude Davidson’s passing,” said Fleury. “Our Quebec locals have seen much tragedy so far in 2016. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this incident.”
Davidson, 48, is the second CUPE member killed on the job in less than two weeks. Thierry Leroux, a police officer and member of CUPE 5153, was shot and killed on the job on February 13.