A Message From Your Former President

I’ve been your union president for almost nine years now, and it’s been an incredible experience. Since then, we’ve successfully ratified two Collective Agreements with great gains for the bargaining unit, your LEC (Local Executive Committee; i.e., your union representatives in the workplace) has grown by 50%, and has become much more knowledgeable about workers’ rights and our responsibilities in the workplace. We’ve also continued to balance the union’s budget every year, and have put aside money for initiatives in the future, as well as some help if a labour disruption ever occurs again. With your help we’ve created bylaws that improve transparency with both your finances and your elected officials, and have had some great social events, too!

My last day at Ontario Teachers’ is Thursday, July 11 2019, which obviously means I won’t be the OPSEU Local 598 (i.e., your union) president after that date. I’m so proud that we have an incredibly strong LEC that is more than capable and willing to help with any issues in the workplace you may have, and me leaving will have little to no impact on how incredible your union volunteers are in representing and advocating for you.

David Lehtinen, your union vice president, will be interim president until a general membership meeting is held to elect a new president. David has been an incredible addition to the LEC Officers (i.e., President, VP, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chief Steward), and I’m very happy he’s interim president (at least!) for everyone. Your officers and stewards remain the same amazing advocates for you, and you helping them/participating in meetings, elections, etc. will only make us all better together.

Thank you all for the opportunity to serve you: I’ve really enjoyed our time together, and your work as an organized collective has made this company better, stronger, and more in tune with the needs of its employees.
​
Jeff Billard
Former President, OPSEU Local 598

---