In a rousing speech to convention delegates, OPSEU’s newly-elected president Warren “Smokey” Thomas promised to empower members and staff and move the union into the future.

Thomas, a long-time union activist and the 1st Vice-President/Treasurer for the past six years, says his gut instinct for what is right and wrong will serve him well as president.

“We are going to re-ignite the fire,” he said. “We are going to build on our strengths. I promise I won’t let you down.”

Thomas reflected on his roots, growing up in Kingston, and marveled at the opportunities he has had.

“Where else but OPSEU could someone like me get to do something like this?”

Thomas told an anecdote on how his kids once threatened to go on strike at home. “I told them they weren’t going on strike, because I was going to lock them out. That backfired when they started job actions. I quickly learned not to threaten a lockout.”

When the laughter died down, Thomas was thankful for the support he has received from his wife Val and his family. “They are behind me 100 per cent,” he said. “I would have never have ran for this job otherwise.”

Thomas said it is an enormous honour to represent the members, and congratulated candidates Nancy Pridham and David Rapaport on their campaigns.

“I look forward to working with both of you,” he said. I look forward to working with this entire Executive Board. We’re good, we’re all good. We are going to do great things.”

Thomas becomes the sixth president in OPSEU’s history.

OPSEU's new President, Smokey Thomas

Smokey and his wife, Val, celebrate the victory

The three candidates join together: (l-r) Nancy Pridham, Smokey Thomas and David Rapaport.