Meet the Team - The Executive Committee
Candidate for President
Nas Yadollahi
Nas is a trade unionist and activist who immigrated to Canada with her family in 1987. She became a City of Toronto Children's Services employee in 1999 and in 2008 moved to Parks, Forestry & Recreation Division, where in 2015 she became a Youth Outreach Worker. She is a union Steward and has represented members at various stages of the grievance process including at Step 2 meetings as well as at the OLRB (Ontario Labour Relations Board). As a Local 79 Health & Safety Coordinator, Nas has been a strong advocate for workers’ rights and health and safety in the workplace. Alongside the many Local 79 committees, Nas was also re-elected as Auditor Trustee of CUPE's Toronto District Council and is Co-Chair of CUPE Ontario’s Women’s Committee. Nas was elected to CUPE Ontario’s Executive Board at the 2022 CUPE Ontario Convention. Over the past year, she has worked to support CUPE locals across Ontario including during last year’s historic Education Workers Strike as they navigated various stages of the bargaining process. She prides herself in having supported dozens of strike lines and enjoyed solidarity campaigns with fellow CUPE members across Ontario. Nas believes that worker solidarity should be bound by our humanity and rooted in our common struggles and pursuit for justice, fair wages, safe and affordable living.
Candidate for First Vice-President
Keith Fiering
Keith has dutifully represented CUPE Local 79 members for over 15 years: at the bargaining table, as an organizer during the 2009 strike, and has been one of Local 79's strongest health and safety advocates over many years. As a long-standing Steward, Keith has represented members at various levels of the grievance process, including at the OLRB (Ontario Labour Relations Board). Keith has also been active with CUPE Ontario and is an Auditor Trustee with the CUPE Toronto District Council.
Keith has put his skill sets to work in many different spaces within Local 79 as well as the broader labour movement in addressing members' concerns with employers. In 2021, Keith was recognized with the CUPE National Health & Safety Award for his decade-long commitment to health and safety in the workplace. Keith has always advocated for better wages and working conditions for members, rooted in his sound understanding attained through years of engagement with them.
Candidate for Vice-President — Chief Steward
Aimee Carnell
Aimee has worked for the City of Toronto for over 15 years in several roles in the Shelter, Support & Housing Division, most recently as a Client Service Worker. She has a background in Social Work and has also worked in the hospital sector for over 20 years. Aimee was elected Local 79 Vice-President — Chief Steward, in September 2022. In this role, Aimee has overseen all activities related to grievances. In the past 12 months, she has cleared more than 800 grievances from the backlog that had grown in the past few years. As Chief Steward, Aimee has cleared the backlog of new Steward training, training over 70 new Stewards and continues to recruit new Stewards. Aimee has chaired several committees, including Emergency Measures, Education, Pension, Contracting Out, and Social Committees, and been an active member of many more. Aimee has also previously been appointed as Local 79 Acting Treasurer and Part-Time Unit B Officer.
Candidate for Vice-President — Equity
Brigett Coleman
Brigett has been a CUPE member for over 21 years with a decade of training as a union representative at Local. She is a former Duty Officer and is currently a Local 79 Health and Safety Representative. Brigett has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree with certificate as a Law Clerk, and also holds a Paralegal Diploma from George Brown College. Brigett is a strong labour activist, and sits on several Local 79 Committees, including the Women’s Committee, Political Action and the Health and Safety Committee. Brigett is committed to taking her experience as a racially marginalized person, and creating change and a voice for other members experiencing discrimination.
Candidate for Recording Secretary
Colin Babin
Colin is passionate about worker solidarity and is often seen on picket lines supporting other unions with coffee and donuts in hand. Colin has always believed that the power of a union resides in the hands of its members. Colin has been with the City of Toronto since 2014, working within Technology Services. Since that time he has represented and defended members as a Steward. Colin has worked tirelessly as a Health & Safety advocate where he
stood with members during a work refusal for dangerous and unsafe work conditions. Colin has also conducted investigations into the causes of workplace injuries, and served on several Local 79 Committees, including Emergency Measures,
Health and Safety, Human Rights, and WSIB. He is also active in CUPE Ontario, having been elected a member of the Toronto CUPE Ontario District Council, where he was previously elected to a term as an Auditor Trustee.
Candidate for Membership Secretary
Fred Shilson
Fred is a 2nd generation City of Toronto employee, now a member of the Information Technology team in Senior Services & Long-Term Care. Fred has held many union roles: CUPE’s National Political Action Chair, Young Worker Chair, Member at Large on the CUPE Ontario Executive Board, and representative on the Canadian Labour Congress National Political Action Committee. As Recording Secretary of CUPE Local 79, Fred led the Part-Time Long-Term Care Bargaining Committee, and played a significant role in bargaining committees for TCHC, Bridgepoint Hospital, and the City of Toronto in previous rounds of negotiations. His expertise in understanding collective agreements and his ability to teach others about them is a valuable asset to our membership. Fred’s vision for Local 79 is clear: to rebuild its reputation amongst allies and members alike.
Candidate for Treasurer
Shannon Berseth
Shannon first became a Local 79 member in 2013 when she began working for 311 Toronto. She became active in the Local when asked to be on the 2015 Bargaining Committee representing the Part-Time Unit B. Since then, Shannon has filled many roles at Local 79 including Steward, Duty Officer, Acting Unit Officer, Executive Board member, Memorandum, and WSIB Representative as well as co-chair of both the Education and Environment Committees. In May 2023 she was elected Treasurer in a by-election, and ran on a platform of financial transparency, including publishing of the Financial By-laws. Shannon’s strengths in organization, people management, communication and being detail orientated have allowed her to excel in the role of Treasurer, representing Local 79 members and being responsible for the money they entrust to the Local.
Meet the Team - Unit Officers
Candidate for City of Toronto Full-Time
Lloyd Campbell
Lloyd Campbell started working with the City of Toronto in 1992 in the Parks, Forestry & Recreation Division. With 23 years of full-time experience and knowledge of the Full-Time Collective Agreement, Lloyd has an excellent ability to protect members' rights in the workplace. Lloyd has held numerous positions with Local 79: Executive Board member, Benefits Representative, Duty Officer and Steward, among others. As your Full-Time Unit Officer, Lloyd has been the voice of members in several divisions and advocated against injustices or violations to their rights. He is committed to representing members the way he would want to be represented and putting his best effort into every endeavour. Lloyd is an ally to all his fellow Local 79 members.
Candidate for City of Toronto Full-Time
Anthony Fernandes
Anthony has 15 years of service and frontline experience with the City of Toronto’s Parks, Forestry & Recreation Division (9 years part-time as a Customer Service Representative, Facility In Charge), Seniors Services & Long-Term Care Division (4 years full-time as a Support Assistant C), Toronto Public Health (1 year, 6 months full-time temporary as a Support Assistant A), Parks, Forestry & Recreation (1 year 3 months as a full-time permanent Support Assistant A). Anthony knows what challenges frontline City workers are facing, and believes that he has the skills to help solve these challenges. Anthony is a progressive communicator, advocate for health and safety, defender of all four collective agreements. Anthony is a dedicated, accountable, problem solver with a proven track record of serving Local 79's diverse membership as an activist and union steward. Alongside his full-time job at the City, Anthony is a member of the Political Action, and Emergency Measures committees at Local 79.
Candidate for City of Toronto Full-Time
Jeremy Jaber
Jeremy is a Local 79 steward and Full-Time Unit Officer. He comes from Toronto
Public Health, where he is a strong advocate for human rights. For over 10 years, Jeremy has been involved in social justice: in counselling, advocating for vulnerable people, facilitating, mediating, and presenting workshops as a subject matter expert. Jeremy supports members while fighting for their rights under our Collective Agreement, the Employment Standards Act, and the Human Rights Code. In an effort to improve service, he implemented a 24-hour response time which significantly improved member satisfaction. Jeremy has been an Engagement Coordinator for Local 79 as well as a WSIB/Benefits Representative. Over the past 2.5 years, he has acted as a Full-Time Unit Officer. Jeremy has been challenging the employer on accommodations, unjust treatment, harassment and discrimination and employer errors made at the expense of members.
Candidate for City of Toronto Full-Time
Amanda Osborne
Amanda came from the Shelter, Support & Housing Administration Division, working on the front lines for over 23 years. She knows what’s it like navigating difficult circumstances in the workplace. This is what motivates her to fight for Local 79's members' rights as negotiated through the Collective Agreement.
Amanda sits on various committees at Local 79, and has gained extensive experience in her roles as a WSIB/Benefits Representative, Duty Desk Officer and union Steward. As a Steward, she took on investigations, outcomes, and dispute resolutions. Amanda aims to improve the grievance procedure and ensure they are heard in a timely manner. She's passionate when it comes to injustice. and wants to help change the things that are no longer working at Local 79. She has a proven track record of answering member phone calls and emails in a timely manner, and understands that we need to work together to get things done.
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Candidate for Senior Services & Long-Term Care (Part-Time)
Florence Mwangi
Florence is a dedicated SSLTC Part-Time Unit Officer, who has tirelessly worked to
advance the rights and well-being of members. Her extensive experience includes being a leader within the "Time to Care" campaign and engaging in impactful bargaining efforts on behalf of SSLTC. Florence has also played a crucial role in labour management and is a valued member of the Grievance Committee. One of her standout qualities is her remarkable responsiveness to members' concerns, ensuring timely support and resolution. Her commitment extends to attending mediation and arbitration meetings, consistently achieving positive outcomes. Florence's advocacy goes beyond the workplace, as she passionately champions the transformation of part-time positions into full-time opportunities for over 200 PSWs (Personal Support Workers). She remains steadfast in her dedication to advocating for those in need, actively engaging with the media and meeting with politicians to drive positive changes for
SSLTC. Above all, Florence ensures that SSLTC remains a top priority, continually pushing for their concerns to be addressed and their voices heard.
Candidate for City of Toronto Part-Time Unit B
Rob Carnell
Rob Carnell comes from the Facilities Division and has been with the City of Toronto since 2009. He signed up to be a Local 79 Steward in his first year of employment. Rob represented Unit B on the 2015 and 2019 Bargaining teams. He was integral part in making significant gains for Unit B members, such as paid Ill Dependent days, an additional float day, coverage for orthotics, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Rob was successful in winning the CCAs award for money owned to part time members in Children's Services for payroll errors, more than $750,000 was owed to employees in this classification. Rob has been successful in enforcing the Collective Agreement is followed regarding posting of schedules a minimum of 6 weeks in advance to ensure members have stability. Rob has continuously fought for reliable schedules and hours for part-time workers, and has represented divisions such as 311, SSHA, EDC, PF&R, Children's Services, Toronto Public Health, Toronto Paramedic Services, and CREM. Rob is very passionate in the fight to turn part time positions into full time jobs.
Candidate for TCHC Unit Officer
Dave Colosimo
Beyond the structured realms of the workplace, Dave stands as a staunch advocate for unity and support. He firmly believes in the strength that arises when individuals rally together towards a common goal. Through his tireless dedication, he has demonstrated an exceptional ability to resolve member grievances, ensuring that concerns are not just heard but genuinely addressed. One of his most important achievement lies in his representation of members in higher levels of the grievance process. His tenacity and strategic judgment have led to successful outcomes, highlighting his exceptional skill in negotiating complex scenarios.
Furthermore, his commitment to the well-being of members extends to negotiating fair and
equitable collective agreements. Dave's ability to balance the interests of both parties while maintaining an unwavering focus on the betterment of members is a testament to his
exceptional leadership.
Meet the Team - Executive Officers at Large
Candidate for Executive Board Member at Large
Jason Desjardins
Jason joined the City of Toronto in 1991 with the Corporate Services working with the Large Format Press Feeder. Jason has extensive union activist experience, having been Local 79’s Strike Committee Deputy Chair, Health & Safety Co-ordinator, Executive Board Member, Acting First Vice-President, Vice-President — Chief Steward, Full-Time City of Toronto Unit Officer, and a bargaining team member with all our employers. He is currently Local 79’s Emergency Measures Co-Chair.
Candidate for Executive Board Member at Large
Rosemarie Edwards
Rosemarie has been employed with the city for 20 plus years, and continues to work in SSLTC as a Personal Support Worker. She is a steward and an Executive Board member. She has a proven track record of advocating for members effectively.
Candidate for Executive Board Member at Large
Lisa Jaipaulsingh
Lisa has been employed with City over 18 years and has been a steward since 2008. She is a caseworker with TESS. In 2021, Lisa worked as Local 79's Engagement Coordinator as well as Duty Desk Officer. She has also been on the Local 79 Emergency Measures Committee since 2020. Lisa is proud to advocate for fellow members with respect and dignity. She values inclusion, accountability and transparency.
Candidate for Executive Board Member at Large
Trish Mackenzie
Trish started her career with the City of Toronto as a Prosecutor in 2009. Over the years she has held multiple positions with CUPE Local 79, most notably as an acting Unit Officer, as the Job Maintenance Lead on the Job Evaluation Committee, and a key research and consultancy role in the lead-up to the last round of Collective Bargaining. Trish was a member of the last Bargaining Team and hopes to be a part of many more in the future. Trish believes that the only way for workers to hold a powerful employer to account is to band together to get what we deserve. If elected to the Board you can expect to see Trish supporting decisions at the Local that are transparent and accountable to the members, and decisive and assertive with the employer. When you vote for your union representatives, remember that You Deserve Better!
Candidate for Executive Board Member at Large
Tim Maguire
Tim has three decades of experience in front-line representation of workers, activism and
leadership roles at CUPE Local 79, including President (2012-2016), and in broader labour-community coalitions protecting the public services our members provide, and building better communities. Parallel to his union and ally activism, Tim continues to further his academic interests, including completing a Masters of Law in Labour and Employment Law (LLM) at Osgoode in 2020. He is excited to be working in coalition with other activists in Local 79 who are concerned about the direction and reputation of our union, and is committed to building a better Local by getting back to listening to members, bringing trust, transparency and accountability.
Candidate for Executive Board Member at Large
Rita Marchese
Rita is a Senior Wireless Infrastructure Specialist at the City of Toronto. For twenty years Rita has dedicated herself to providing quality technical and customer service support to all City of Toronto staff. Rita’s professional skills and passion for being a force of justice and positive change are apparent in her volunteering initiative as a United Way Coordinator in 2015 and 2016. Even being awarded with the “Campaign of the Year” title for the technology division in 2015 and 2016. Rita is currently running for a spot on the Local 79 Executive Board. Her goal
is to create positive change and build a new sense of trust between the union and all of its members.
Candidate for Executive Board Member at Large
Mary-Grace Marquez
Mary-Grace was hired by the City in 2013, and works as a full-time Personal Support Worker with SSLTC. She started as a part-time worker at Castleview Wychwood Towers for 5 years, then moved to a full-time position at Fudger House, then Wesburn Manor. Mary-Grace serves as a Local 79 Duty Officer, is a member of Human Rights Committee, Health & Safety Committee and Membership Committee.
Candidate for Executive Board Member at Large
Melinda McClean
Melinda is a Registered Social Worker and has been a Caseworker at Toronto Employment & Social Services for over 17 years. She is a passionate advocate against injustice and always seeking to change the things that are no longer working. Melinda is a people person who believes in fighting for the rights of members and in ensuring a safe and equitable workplace.
Candidate for Executive Board Member at Large
Kana Muthiah
Kana Muthiah whose life journey has been a rich tapestry of cultures, religions, and experiences. Born in a Muslim-majority country into a Hindu family. Attended a Chinese school, where he not only learned Cantonese but was also exposed to the philosophies of various religions, including Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity. His quest for knowledge led him to Ottawa University, where he pursued a Baccalauréate en Sciences Sociales with a concentration in Sciences Politiques. During his time at university, Kana delved deep into
the realm of political science, exploring the intricacies of governance, diplomacy, and international relations.
Candidate for Executive Board Member at Large
Brianna Plummer
Brianna Plummer is a Communications Specialist at Toronto Community Housing and has over eight years of experience specializing in digital and internal communications and public relations across multiple sectors, including social housing and urban planning. Outside her work as a communicator, she is very engaged in social activism and interested in equity, diversity and inclusion. Brianna is currently one of the hosts of CUPE Cast. At the local, she is a steward and at the provincial level, she is an active member of CUPE Ontario’s Women and Young Worker committees.
Candidate for Executive Board Member at Large
Shlomit Segal
Shlomit has always believed that unions can make people’s lives better, so it was natural for her to get involved in our union. She was on the Strike Preparation Committee in 2000, and later became a steward. She is now active in the CUPE Ontario Climate Justice committee and the Women’s and Environment Committees of Local 79. She is also the union Co-Chair of the Toronto Public Health South Joint Health and Safety Committee. By day, Shlomit works as a graphic designer at Toronto Public Health.
Candidate for Executive Board Member at Large
Lorraine Solomon
As a CUPE Local 79, Steward and Local 79 Duty Officer, Lorraine has a passion for
advocating for staff who need support communicating with management. She’s worked for the City for 17 years in the Parks, Forestry & Recreation Division, as well as Senior Services & Long-Term Care. Lorraine has been a Joint Health & Safety Committee member for 9 years as well as an advocate for Confronting Anti-Black Racism (CABR).
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Candidate for Executive Board Member at Large
Chris Spataro
Chris started his career with the City of Toronto in 2006 with Toronto Water before
joining Transportation in 2012. Chris is has been a dedicated Steward for over 6 years,
successfully supporting members from all City of Toronto Divisions including members from
Bridgepoint Hospital and Toronto Community Housing. Chris sits on the Joint Health & Safety Committee as the worker Co–Chair at his work location. Chris was a Local 79 Duty Officer from June 2018 to February 2020 and he thoroughly enjoys assisting all Local 79 members in every capacity. Along with attending meetings with members, Chris has also participated in Step 1, Step 2 and Step 3 grievances.
Candidate for Executive Board Member at Large
Carla Wallbridge
Carla is a dedicated and experienced candidate. She has 22 years of experience as a City of Toronto employee in Children’s Services and 7 years as an active steward. Carla has proven her unwavering commitment to fighting for the rights and safety of union members. As a health and safety representative, a member of the emergency measures and child care committees, Carla has shown her dedication to ensuring that every member’s voice is heard and that their well-being is protected.
You deserve so much more from CUPE Local 79.
CHANGE IS COMING
An amazing team is coming together with exciting plans.