ELECT
Chris
Graham
PRESIDENT
SOCIETY OF UNITED PROFESSIONALS
IFPTE LOCAL 160 | CLC-AFL-CIO
PROVEN EXPERIENCE. TRUSTED LEADERSHIP.
POSITIVE RESULTS. LASTING CHANGE.
Six years ago, I asked members to support me in my quest to strengthen our union as your first Executive Vice-President (EVP) of the Society of United Professionals. With your support, I joined an outstanding and experienced leadership team of President Scott Travers, and then Secretary-Treasurer Michelle Johnston; whose guidance and collaboration has been invaluable. The last three years working with Michelle as President and Laurie Reid as Secretary-Treasurer has added further to my executive experience leading our union.
Working together we all moved our union forward, especially during some very difficult and uncertain times.
You trusted me with your vote then, and I am asking for your support again, to continue on with the important work of our union as your next President in helping us all to continue to deliver positive results for our more than 10,000 Society members right across Ontario!
IMPORTANT DATES
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ALL-CANDIDATES MEETING:
OCTOBER 28 (WATCH NOW)
2-WEEK ONLINE VOTING PERIOD:
NOVEMBER 18 (12 Noon) - DECEMBER 2 (12 Noon)
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YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE - VOTE EARLY - VOTE CHRIS
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ALL-CANDIDATES MEETING - SOCIETY COUNCIL 2024, NOVEMBER 11th
As a union, we know that a strong, unified public voice builds power. That collaboration forges better solutions. That resilience comes from anticipating and adapting to change. We’ve all been thrust into a period of considerable uncertainty and change, and we’ve had our ups and downs as a result, but we’ve stepped past the worst of the pandemic and economic uncertainty by working together in solidarity!
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Our strength comes from our members. When our members speak as one voice, we wield tremendous power and can make positive and lasting change.
I’ve drawn upon my last six years of experience as your EVP, and previously as Society’s Local Vice-President, Unit Director, and Delegate at the IESO, to continue to deliver outcomes that are fair, reasonable, and pragmatic, as we stand up and fight to defend our members’ rights with our employers, government, and even in the courts.
To keep your union strong the President must work well with elected leaders and staff. I have built strong relationships right across our union, at every level. I am excited to have the opportunity and privilege to serve you as your next Society President.
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Thank you for being engaged in our democratic process and for your continued support!
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PROVEN Experience
DECEMBER 2018 - PRESENT
Society Executive Vice-President
PROVEN EXPERIENCE
Working effectively with the Executive Team, Society Staff, and Executive Board, I have pushed hard to move our union forward. Building on our hard work of the past to shape a better future for every member today, and our future members, as we strive to be the union of choice for Ontario's working professionals.
JANUARY 2016 - DECEMBER 2018
Society Local Vice-President
Independent Electricity System Operator
Responsible for member grievances, collective agreement bargaining and leading negotiations, as the lead spokesperson for the union in the workplace, member relations and engagement, and served as chair of the Local Committee, and co-chair of the Joint Health and Safety Committee work to ensure we all come home safe and healthy after each day of work.
SEPTEMBER 2009 - APRIL 2015
Society Delegate
Independent Electricity System Operator
I first stepped forward with the union through my involvement with the Joint Health and Safety Committee at the IESO, and it was at this time that I volunteered to represent my co-workers, and haven't looked back.
APRIL 2015 - JANUARY 2016
Society Unit Director
Independent Electricity System Operator
Responsible for providing representation of Society members at the Clarkson System Control Centre and the Upper Middle Road Offices, while supporting the Local Vice-President, and other elected representatives through teamwork, training, and mentorship.
2007 - PRESENT
Society Member
Independent Electricity System Operator
No matter where you work, or what type of job you do, like you I am a dues-paying Society Member too. I am very thankful for the progress we've made together, and I am excited to see where we'll go in the future as we climb together!
BOARDS OF DIRECTORS
I am proud to represent our great union on various committees and boards.
With your support I can keep doing this important work!
I am proud to serve all workers in Toronto and York Region and represent our members as an Executive Board Member of Canada's oldest and largest labour council
I am honoured to have been selected to represent labour and our union in serving as a member of the Board of Trustees with the world's largest United Way
I am humbled to serve our over 10,000 members as an Executive Board and Executive Committee Member, and with your support serve as the next Executive Board Chair
... This steady and firm grip on our organization is a testament to his character and abilities. I feel that his experience is necessary to maintain stability and growth moving forward.
Eric Tiisler
Unit Director
Bruce Power Local
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Society Executive
Board Member
... I am sure that The Society of United Professionals will continue to be the leaders, they have become, under the Presidency of Brother Chris Graham.
Blair Gallant
President
Sheet Metal & Roofers
Local 30
... Chris has inspired me in my labour journey and I have no doubt that he will do great things for your union.
Merima Kostecki
President
CUPE 1559
Public Health Chair - CUPE Ontario Municipal Workers​
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... I have witnessed firsthand Chris's unwavering commitment to workers' rights and his visionary leadership.
... I am confident in his ability to successfully serve our union in the role of Society President. Chris draws on a wealth of experience, having held multiple elected positions at the Local and Executive level including: Delegate, Unit Director, Local Vice-President, and most recently as Executive Vice-President.
Lemann Fung
Unit Director
IESO Local
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Society Executive
Board Member
... His contributions in our movement have made a significant impact. We need more leaders like Chris in the Labour Movement.
Abdi Hagi Yusuf
Secretary-Treasurer
Canadian Union of Postal Workers (C.U.P.W.)
Toronto Local
... Chris knows the challenges we as working people face at this politically charged time in history. He would make an excellent president for your union.
Tracy Trofimencoff
Second Vice-President
Hamilton Secondary Unit
Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association (OECTA)
... He always shows up. He is willing to do what it takes. He truly cares. It is such a privilege to know Chris and to be inspired by him.
Sylvia van Campen
Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) Executive Board Member
... Chris’ commitment to advancing our union’s interests, defending our members’ rights, and ensuring our resilience is unparalleled.
Susi Alhborn
Local Vice-President
OEB Local
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Society Executive
Board Member
... His extensive experience and deep knowledge have enriched our discussions, creating productive conversations and meaningful learning opportunities for everyone involved.
Kelly Martin
President
OPSEU/SEFPO Local 330
Executive Board Member OPSEU/SEFPO
... Chris has the experience, knowledge and skill set to help best position our Local, and our union overall, for success.
Dave Ceksters
Local Vice-President
Bruce Power Local
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Society Executive
Board Member
... I've seen firsthand how Chris always makes everyone around him feel valued, respected, and appreciated. He has the ability to create an inclusive environment for everyone.
Elizabeth Ha
Vice-President
OPSEU/SEFPO Local 154
ENGAGE
I have been honoured and humbled to serve as your Executive Vice-President for the past six years.
I now ask for your vote to serve as your next Society President.
If you have a question about my campaign please don't hesitate to reach out.