I have been a proud AUPE activist for over 35 years. As a union steward, chapter and local leader and worksite organizer, I embodied the hard work and passion for our members that still inspires me today.
I’ve always believed worker power and direct action were the keys to organizing and mobilizing. Working with countless other activists, I helped lead many struggles at my worksite and in my Local (Local 006) based on these principles, and in 1993, I was first elected as a vice president to continue this work through our union.
The 1990s were extremely hard on AUPE and other unions due to massive cutbacks and privatization. As a vice president throughout this period, I worked with our Locals on the front lines of organizing fight-back campaigns and participating in direct actions to defend our members.
As a vice president for eight years, I honed my leadership skills while staying true to the principles that guided my work throughout my activism. In 2009, I was elected as your president on a platform of mobilization, solidarity and direct action. I have had the honour to serve continuously as your president since then, all with the goal of helping to make our great union grow and become stronger and more vibrant.
Fast forward to today, after two years of strategic and disciplined work, and we are benefitting from the largest mobilization of members in our history - with the focused and dedicated goal of making significant gains at the bargaining table and in the streets.
It continues to be an honour to work with, learn from, and stand shoulder to shoulder with countless amazing AUPE leaders and activists over the past 35 years, today and into the future.
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