Earlier today, Peel Regional Police announced that they had arrested Mark Babcook, former president of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 228. Babcook has been charged with fraud over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime. None of the allegations has been proven in court.
Through the vigilance of Local 228 members, OPSEU/SEFPO became aware of irregularities in the local’s finances last year. In particular, it was discovered that $100,000 was removed from the local’s bank account over a period of many months. OPSEU/SEFPO put the local into trusteeship and froze its bank account while the matter was investigated.
Appropriate steps have been taken and Local 228 is getting back on its feet. New local elections are scheduled for this month. The local will have a new bank account with updated signing authorities and oversight protocols, including safeguards to prevent any one individual from having sole access to, or control of, local funds.
We thank the members of Local 228 for their work in uncovering the facts of this matter. We are very grateful to Peel Regional Police for their swift and thorough investigation.
As always, OPSEU/SEFPO remains committed to transparency, accountability, and using dues dollars for their sole legitimate purpose: representing members in the workplace and standing up for the rights of workers everywhere.
In solidarity,JP Hornick, President
Laurie Nancekivell, First Vice-President/Treasurer