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by Alexandrea Seggewiss, Local 715, inSolidarity Committee
The John Bassett Theatre was flooded with OPSEU/SEFPO members to recognize the steadfast commitment of their peers in the labour movement. Sounds of cheers and applause reverberated around the room as over a dozen individuals and locals were honoured.
“Because solidarity is not just something you say, it’s something you do,” Taylor McPhillips boldly and passionately expressed while introducing one of this year’s award winners.
Serving as emcee for the event was Kevin Carrington, affectionately known as “The Voice of Black Toronto.”
A proud Scarborough native and familiar voice from CBC Radio One, Kevin brought his signature energy and warmth to the stage. With years of experience hosting everything from cultural festivals to community fundraisers, he kept the crowd engaged, uplifted, and connected throughout the night. Whether leading a gala or a Reggae-cise class, Kevin knows how to bring people together — and this event was no exception.
Trash Panda Brass, a vibrant force in Toronto’s brass band scene since June 2022, kicked off the night with their lively renditions of popular music, including Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5.
Health and Safety Awards
This award is presented to an individual and to a local that made the most significant contribution to the advancement of our members’ interests in the area of occupational health and safety.
Michael Lundy Local 708
Mike has spent years advocating for correctional workers as a committed member of the Correctional Bargaining Unit. He’s served on both the Provincial Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee and his local health and safety committee, bringing a deep understanding of the challenges workers face. Known for his dedication, Mike works tirelessly to improve safety standards and ensure the well-being of correctional staff across the province.
Honorary Lifetime Membership Award
This award is presented to retired members who have made significant contributions to their locals or to the union as a whole.
Tom O’Neill Local 467
Tom served as Local President at Quinte Detention Centre for 30 years and chaired the OPS Correctional Bargaining Team from 2014-2016, leading the team to secure the historic Corrections Only contract. He participated in three strikes (1989, 1996, and 2022) and was known for his strong leadership, unwavering support for workers, and activism. After 38 years as a correctional officer, Tom retired in 2024, leaving a lasting impact on the union.
John Patterson Local 657
John served as Local President for Local 657 at Canadore College for six years, following five years as Vice President and various other union roles. Even after retiring in 2022, he stayed on as an ex-officio member for a year to help with the transition. Known for his empathy, fairness, and strong leadership, John was committed to fighting for members’ rights, often sacrificing personal time. He was deeply involved in the North Bay community, speaking with the media and supporting the broader labor movement, including during the 2017 College Faculty strike. His dedication to solidarity and the collective strength of workers made him a respected leader.
Gary Shaul Local 520
Gary retired from the Ontario Public Service in 2015 after 30 years of passionate leadership in OPSEU/SEFPO. Throughout his career, he held key roles including Local President, Regional Vice President, and Executive Board Member. Gary was deeply committed to his members and even led the “Greening OPSEU” initiative to raise awareness about the climate crisis. Some of his most impactful moments include securing justice for a member harassed by neo-Nazis, leading OPS strikes with unwavering resolve and successfully protecting workers from privatization. Gary’s legacy is one of tireless advocacy, compassion, and a deep belief in standing up for what’s right.
Human Rights Awards
This award is presented to an individual and a local having made the most significant contribution to the advancement of human rights issues and the principles of equity.
Adam Cygler Local 229
Adam is a dedicated Correctional Bargaining Unit member, serving on the MERC team since 2020 and currently as Vice Chair of the Correctional Bargaining Team. He’s also on the Occupational Stress Injuries subcommittee and a steward in his local. Having previously served as Local President, Treasurer, and on the Health and Safety Committee, Adam is known for promoting inclusiveness, standing up to bullies, and always going the extra mile for his members. He’s a passionate advocate for human rights and has stood alongside his colleagues in the fight against workplace racism.
Ala’ Qadi Local 415
Ala’ is a Palestinian member of OPSEU/SEFPO dedicated to fighting racism in all its forms. He played a key role in bringing together OPSEU/SEFPO’s Human Rights Committee, Coalition of Racialized Workers, Rainbow Alliance, and the Provincial Young Workers Committee to organize educational events on anti-Apartheid issues. Despite facing significant anti-Palestinian racism himself, with his family living under occupation in the West Bank, Ala’ continues to stand strong in advancing human rights.
Local 532
Accepted by Local President Julius Arscott and former Local Secretary Angelune Deslaurier
OPSEU/SEFPO Local 532, representing Toronto-area members in various sectors of the Ontario Public Service, has been at the forefront of advocating for Palestinian human rights for over a decade. Local 532 has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the Palestinian struggle, submitting resolutions in support of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaign and organizing educational events with diverse speakers. Despite facing significant opposition and threats of censure, the local’s activists have remained steadfast in their commitment to justice and human rights. With OPSEU/SEFPO now endorsing a ceasefire and the BDS movement, we recognize and honour the relentless dedication of Local 532’s members in amplifying the voices of those fighting for Palestinian rights.
Leah Casselman Award
This award is presented to a local and an individual for mobilizing activities – one who best exemplifies the spirit and intent of “mobilizing to win.”
Leslie Aiston Local 446
Leslie is a true force of nature with nearly 30 years in OPS. As Local President, Ottawa Area Council Treasurer, and Vice Chair of the OPS Unified Bargaining Team, she’s the driving force behind successful mobilizations. Leslie’s strength is in uniting people, strategizing, and empowering them to take action. She’s the heartbeat of every win!
Liquor Board Employees Division/LCBO Workers – accepted by LBED Chair Colleen MacLeod
From the early stages of bargaining to your historic strike, LCBO locals came together to win. You engaged members, got a supermajority to petition the Ontario government to stop the LCBO sell-off, and organized a powerful day of action in March 2024 that made headlines and put Doug Ford on the defensive. When faced with a bad offer, you rallied together, joined picket lines for two weeks, and secured major wins: more permanent jobs, no store closures, and a cap on agency stores—things the employer had never offered before. You fought, and you won!
Provincial Young Worker of the Year Award
This award is presented to an OPSEU/SEFPO member aged 35 or under for outstanding union and community activism that uplifts and empowers the next generation of workers. It recognizes leadership, innovation, and community impact in engaging young workers.
Brianna Boyd Local 377
Brianna, a standout leader at LCBO Local 377, brought confidence, compassion, and determination to her work. She led by example, championing equity, organizing the local’s first youth committee, and ensuring young workers had a voice. Bree supported coworkers in crisis, took charge during a historic strike, and addressed critical issues like health, safety, and access. Her actions reflected true solidarity, proving young workers are not just the future—but powerful leaders of the present. Her dedication has left a lasting impact on her union and community.
Live and Let Live Award
This award is presented to the Local that best promotes, advances and advocates on behalf of the Live and Let Live Fund to combat HIV/AIDS.
Local 5120
Accepted by Local President, Dorothee Chopamba
Local 5120 represents members at the Ontario HIV Treatment Network and Fife House Foundation, both leading organizations in the Greater Toronto Area tackling HIV/AIDS, mental health, addiction, and housing instability. These OPSEU/SEFPO members provide crucial support services, housing, and research, while fighting stigma and advocating for better public policies to ensure HIV-positive individuals receive the care they deserve. Their work is a testament to how public sector workers can truly make a difference in people’s lives.
Fred Upshaw Award of Merit
Ram Selvarajah Local 524
Ram is the Chair of the Peel District Labour Council and has held various leadership roles in OPSEU/SEFPO. He’s deeply committed to social justice, advocating for marginalized communities and fostering collaboration across diverse groups. Ram has organized community outreach programs, championed equity and inclusion, and empowered others to speak up. As a mentor, he’s positively impacted many in the union, the broader labour movement, and the community.
Stanley H. Knowles Humanitarian Award
Kris Weatherall Local 304
In just a few years, Kris has transformed Local 304, growing its strength and diversity while empowering members to speak up. She founded the local’s first Equity Council and serves on OPSEU/SEFPO’s Provincial Human Rights Committee to advance equity and inclusion. Despite facing personal battles with discrimination, Kris has fought tirelessly against toxic practices, leaving a lasting legacy of unity and positive change within her local and the broader union.
Congratulations to all of the award winners! Your dedication, courage, and tireless work inspire us all. You remind us what it means to lead with heart, to fight with purpose, and to never lose sight of the power of solidarity. Thank you for everything you do—this movement is stronger because of you.
The night reminded us of who we are—fighters, dreamers, and builders of a better future. In the face of challenges, we rise together. Together, we’ve shown that solidarity isn’t just a slogan—it’s our strategy, our strength, and our future. Let’s keep organizing, keep rising, and keep fighting forward.