We extend a heartfelt congratulations to union members Johanne Konan (OEB Local) Gurveer Singh (Kinectrics Local), and Linda Gibbons (Hydro One Local), who are this year’s recipients of the Society’s Equity Awards. These individuals have made valuable contributions to the advancement of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Johanne Konan is an active member of the Black and Racialized Professionals Committee and a Unit Director in the OEB Local. In addition to her energy and positivity, she brings an ability to listen, provide clarity, collaborate, and get work done. She plays an important role in supporting committee logistics and has served as an effective ambassador, most recently at the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists’ convention in Atlanta and at Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival.
Johanne Konan (OEB Local)
Gurveer Singh was nominated by the Society’s Young Professionals Committee. As a Society delegate with the Kinectrics Local, he actively promotes member engagement with the Society and provides support to union members who have questions surrounding the collective agreement, workplace rights, benefits, and Society processes. He provides encouragement to new colleagues. Outside his Delegate role, Gurveer works in innovation and emerging technologies within the nuclear industry.
Gurveer Singh (Kinectrics Local)
Linda Gibbons was nominated by United Sisters as she has worked passionately for gender equity in her workplace. She advocated for improved access to menstrual products in bathrooms, and Hydro One listened. Thanks to her efforts, the employer committed to making all menstrual product dispensers free at its Trinity Square office. She successfully pursued this advocacy through an occupational health and safety lens. Linda asserted that, if bandages must be accessible to all employees in unforeseen emergencies, menstrual hygiene products should also be available. The application of an occupational health and safety approach to the issue of menstrual product access has been recognized by the Ontario Federation of Labour. This successful case is helping gender equity advocates advance systemic change in the Province of Ontario surrounding the issue.
Linda Gibbons (Hydro One Local)