February 5, 2020 (OTTAWA, ON) – It was announced today that Sharleen Stewart, President of SEIU Healthcare, along with Lionel Railton, Canadian Regional Director of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), will serve as co-chairs of the campaign to elect Linda Silas president of the Canadian Labour Congress.
“Working people and the unions that defend them are facing serious attacks across our country,” said campaign co-chair Sharleen Stewart. “Now more than ever, Canada’s unions need the strong and tested leadership of Linda Silas. Linda has headed provincial and national unions for decades and has proven she is ready to lead our fight in these uncertain times.”
“Linda is tough and has justly earned her reputation as an inspiring leader who is respected across Canada by workers and decision-makers of all political stripes,” said co-chair Lionel Railton. “For years, I have admired Linda’s ability to strongly negotiate and unite the labour movement in times of crisis. Linda is ready to lead our fight on Parliament Hill—in both official languages—and wherever it takes us.”
“I am proud to put together an experienced team that includes growing support from labour leaders and their unions in both the public and private sector,” said Silas. “I have spent my life fighting for working people and it will be my honour to lead us now.”
A bilingual website has been launched at www.lindasilas.ca. The website details Linda’s extensive experience, including 17 years as president of the 200,000-strong Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions and CLC executive committee member.
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For more information, or to arrange an interview please contact:
Lauren Snowball, lsnowball@nursesunions.ca, (613) 868-5702 (English)
Ben René, brene@nursesunions.ca, (613) 406-5962 (French)