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Protecting its members is the raison d’être of every union, and collective bargaining is the first and most important of a union’s services to its members. Indeed, this duty is very clearly emphasized in the Constitution, Bylaws and Policies of the OSSTF. Every decision a union makes and every action a union takes, whether it be in contract negotiations, political action, communication or education services, must take into consideration how protection of its members will be supported or enhanced.

The Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation has long been regarded as the strongest of the education unions and for very good reason. Every attempt by previous governments to limit or interfere with the collective bargaining rights of this union has been met and overcome because the OSSTF has led the way. Now, after a brief respite over the last year and a half, we are facing yet another assault on our collective bargaining rights, and it is time for protective services to take the forefront once again and for that we need a President skilled in collective bargaining. That leader is Ken Coran.

District 11 is proud to announce the candidacy of Ken Coran for President of OSSTF. For more than 15 years, Ken has been an outstanding voice for public education in his school, his Bargaining Unit, his District and now at Provincial Office. Ken has proven his skill as a negotiator and a leader who can close the crucial deals that have set the pattern across the province for other OSSTF agreements, and upon which the other education unions have always coat-tailed.

Ken serves all members with decisive, inclusive leadership, demonstrating again and again his commitment to the full-service union. He champions the specific, highest priority causes of each bargaining unit and job classification. We can ask for no better.

In communications and political action, Ken’s personable and knowledgeable approach helps to gain support for the members and the global social issues that we all care about. Because educational services contribute to everything that we do as a union, Ken will continue to help ensure that, when decisions about curriculum, regulations and training are being made, OSSTF members’ concerns are heard, their needs are met and their hopes are justified.

Ken believes that our public image has suffered over the years, that members are still experiencing the fallout of many years of confrontation with previous governments. Now, even though the current government preaches "respect, peace and stability", most recently their actions belie those words and so it is time once again to re-establish OSSTF's position in the province as the champion of member protection. Ken is the leader who can and will make that happen.

Ken is not threatened by opposing points of view and strives to bring people together. During both good times and crises, Ken has distinguished himself as an inspiring spokesperson, a leader in the face of overwhelming odds. A vote for Ken is a vote for a man with determination, vision and a formidable work ethic. It is a vote for decisive leadership.

Ken has what it takes to galvanize OSSTF members across the province, to provide us with direction and to lead us to success. Join us and support Ken Coran for President of OSSTF.

 

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