A construction company has been fined $200,000 in the death of four workers in a scaffolding mishap.
    
The rare conviction for criminal negligence causing death against Metron Construction is the first of its kind in Ontario under the Criminal Code.
    
The incident occurred on Christmas Eve in 2009, when high-rise scaffolding snapped in Toronto, sending four workers plunging to their deaths and leaving one badly hurt.
    
Metron pleaded guilty, but charges against its owner, Joel Swartz, were dropped.
    
The company had faced a fine of up to $1 million.
    
Labour activists are upset with the judge's decision, saying they wanted to see jail time, not just fines.

The president of the Ontario Federation of Labour says the punishment dished out to Metron Construction and its owner is a travesty.

"For killing a worker in Ontario, you get a slap on the wrist of $50,000 and that is just not right in this province," says Ryan.

Standing on the steps of Old City Hall, Ryan says company owner Joel Swartz deserves to go to jail for the incident.

(The Canadian Press with files from James Moore)