Thomas elected to record seventh term as OPSEU President
TORONTO, May 24, 2019 /CNW/ - Warren (Smokey) Thomas has been re-elected as President of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) for a record seventh consecutive two-year term. He was first elected to the position in 2007.
Thomas defeated Sara Labelle, an OPSEU Regional Vice-President. Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida was also acclaimed for his record fifth two-year term as First Vice-President/Treasurer.
In his campaign speech to delegates, Thomas called OPSEU a powerhouse and praised members for building such a strong machine, calling the union a force to be reckoned with. Thomas vowed to engage in respectful debate and continue to build the union and fight for a better Ontario for today and tomorrow.
Thomas thanked delegates for their vote of confidence.
"Being re-elected president is an honour and I look forward to our road ahead, together," said Thomas. "I stand by my motto of fair, firm and friendly - I don't start fights, but I finish every single one. There's a laundry list of ex-premiers who can vouch for that; they're gone and OPSEU's still standing. We're in the fight of our working lives, but we're building bridges and together, we will win."
First Vice-President Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida also thanked delegates for their ongoing support.
"It is an absolute privilege to serve another term as OPSEU First Vice-President/Treasurer," said Almeida. "On behalf of all our hardworking and dedicated members, thank you."
"We must remain indivisible," Thomas told the more than 2,000 delegates and observers at OPSEU's largest-ever Convention.
Thomas previously served as president of OPSEU Local 431 in Kingston before being elected as an Executive Board Member. He served three terms as First Vice-President/Treasurer before becoming President.
OPSEU proudly represents 155,000 members working in the Ontario Public Service, across the entire Broader Public Service and in the College sector.
SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)
Warren (Smokey) Thomas, 613-329-1931
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