At the annual OPSEU/SEFPO Convention held on April 26, 2024, JP Hornick was re-elected as president, promising to intensify efforts for improving working conditions for Ontario’s public sector employees. This marks the beginning of Hornick’s second two-year term leading one of the province’s largest unions.
During the convention, Hornick emphasized the union’s collective strength, stating, “There is nothing we can’t do when we do it together. We will keep raising our expectations about what workers deserve, and make sure that members have what they need to organize and win when fighting their bosses and the Ford government.”
Laurie Nancekivell, who also ran unopposed, was acclaimed as First Vice-President/Treasurer for a second term. She has been instrumental in crafting a budget focused on transparency and empowering members to mobilize at the grassroots level.
“The members of our union are uniting more than ever to take on bad bosses and demand better from this government,” Nancekivell said, highlighting the collaborative efforts to strengthen the union’s capacity for advocacy.
Following the election, Hornick and Nancekivell led a march to a nearby Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) store, rallying members to advocate for fair wages and robust public services. The LCBO, a significant revenue source for the province, contributes approximately $2.5 billion annually to public services, including health care and education.
Hornick directed a clear message towards Premier Doug Ford’s administration: “Our message for the Premier is clear, we’re not going to stand by and let this government put our money into the pockets of grocery store CEOs. We’re going to fight to protect the public services that benefit everyone in this province.”
The re-election of Hornick and Nancekivell signals a continued push for better conditions and greater resources for public sector workers across Ontario, amidst ongoing challenges in negotiations with government and employers.