The United Food and Commercial Workers and Ontario’s Local Unions proudly endorse Team Ignite for Leadership of the Ontario Federation of Labour!
Team Ignite consists of Laura Walton, Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) for President; Ahmad Gaied, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) for Secretary- Treasurer; and Jackie Taylor, United Steelworkers (USW) for Executive Vice President.
“Team Ignite brings a wealth of talent to the leadership of the OFL,” says Wayne Hanley, President of UFCW Local 1006A. “I’m excited for what is to come. It is more important than ever that we have a united labour movement dedicated to fighting for a fair deal for all workers.”
Team Ignite is committed to building solidarity and unity across the labour movement and working towards creating a strong and powerful labour movement. Workers are organizing, building, and winning.
Laura Walton, current president of the Ontario School Boards Council of Unions (OSBCU), and CUPE Ontario Executive Board member, has a background working as an education assistant. She was previously the President of CUPE Local 1022, which represents the education workers of Hastings and Prince Edward County District School Board. Laura continues to be a fierce defender of workers and has been an inspiration across Ontario.
Ahmad Gaied serves as the current Secretary-Treasurer and proud UFCW member. Ahmad was first elected Executive Vice-President November 2015. At the age of 33, he was the youngest officer ever to be elected at the Ontario Federation of Labour. Ahmad is also a Worker of Colour and a proud member of the Muslim community in Toronto. In 2019 Gaied was elected Secretary-Treasurer of the OFL. Since his time as Secretary-Treasurer, Ahmad has worked hard to bring financial stability to the Federation.
Jackie Taylor is a committed community activist who brings a wealth of experience and passion to the leadership team. Taylor has been an active member of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) and proud Women of Steel Committee member. Jackie’s work has been guided by a dedication to connect with union members, amplify their voices and be their advocate at a societal and political level.
We are proud to support Team Ignite and are excited for their leadership.
In solidarity,
Paul Meinema, UFCW Canada National President
Dominic Musitano, UFCW Canada Local 102
Shawn Haggerty, UFCW Canada Local 175
Wayne Hanley, UFCW Canada Local 1006A
John Nock, UFCW Canada Local 12R24
