Rebecca Caron has been elected president of the Society of United Professionals following an online membership-wide vote conducted between Nov. 18 and Dec. 2. Caron succeeds Michelle Johnston, who is retiring after 20 years of service in various elected roles within the union.
Caron, a first-line manager in reactor maintenance projects at Ontario Power Generation (OPG), campaigned on a platform of “Building Our Collective Strength,” highlighting issues such as job security, work-life balance, workplace safety, and competitive compensation.
“I am honoured to serve as the new president of the Society,” Caron said. “I will work tirelessly to build on the incredible work of my predecessors to deliver wins for our members at the bargaining table and beyond.”
Caron brings extensive experience in union leadership, having previously served as unit director and delegate for the Society’s OPG Local. She has participated in numerous committees, including the Joint Society Management Committee at OPG, the Laurentis bargaining team, the Ontario Federation of Labour’s Women’s Committee, and the Society Executive Board. She is also the current chair of United Sisters, a committee focused on advancing gender equity and women’s rights.
Earlier this year, Caron received the Equity Advocate Award at the Build A Dream Awards for her work addressing inequities in the workplace. She has been an advocate for increased access to menstrual products and properly fitting safety gear for women. During recent collective agreement negotiations at OPG, Caron and her team secured domestic violence leave for members.
Joining Caron in leadership roles are Laurie Reid, who was re-elected as secretary-treasurer, and Ralph Chatoor, the newly elected executive vice-president.
The Society extended its gratitude to outgoing principal officers Michelle Johnston and Chris Graham for their service and dedication to the union.
The Society of United Professionals, founded 80 years ago, represents more than 10,000 members across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors, including engineers, lawyers, project managers, and IT specialists.
