National Executive

Biography

June began her career with the Federal Public Service in 1999 in the Department of National Defence Line Section of Telecommunications at Canadian Forces Base Suffield, hired under an “Introducing Women to the Trades” initiative. June moved on to the Counter Terrorism Technology Centre within Defence Research Development Centre Suffield as a Decontamination Technologist shortly after the section was stood up as a result of the Sept 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center towers.

June became an activist in the Union in 1999 as a Shop Steward and held the Education and Human Rights portfolios within Local 30910. As June’s activism grew she began facilitating UNDE, Alliance and Joint Learning Program workshops to her peers and management. Upon joining the DRDC Local 30907, June was elected as Secretary for two terms until she was elected Local President, a position she proudly held until 2011. In 2011 June was elected onto the PSAC Technical Services (TC) Bargaining Team, representing over 11 000 members in negotiating the TC collective agreement.

In 2011 June was also elected Vice President for the Alberta & the North Region where she represented members at the Land Forces Western Area (3rd Div) regionally and DRDC nationally, in addition to being a team member of the UNDE Finance committee and the Communication and Training committee.

June was elected by her peers to the position of UNDE Executive Vice-President (EVP) in 2014. In addition to fulfilling her role as EVP June represented members nationally who work under Canadian Forces Housing Authority, Information Management and Defence Research Development Centre.

At the 2017 Triennial Convention in Victoria B.C., June was elected as National President of UNDE. She was then re-elected in 2021 and 2023.

June takes her role as a national leader very seriously and works diligently in an effort to achieve a work environment where the UNDE members are treated fairly, compensated appropriately, in a healthy, safe and respectful manner.

Biography

Active in the union since 2006 Paul has been truly committed to creating a better working environment and protecting the rights of the UNDE membership. Being a survivor of much adversity in his life followed by an incident of workplace homophobia is what drove Paul to become a staunch advocate for the underdog and active in the UNDE and the PSAC. Paul was elected as his local Chief Shop Steward in 2006 and almost immediately undertook training to become a Joint Learning Program Facilitator focussing on Respecting Differences and Anti-Discrimination. He has served the membership as PSACBC Regional Coordinator for LGBTQ2+ members, PSAC National Representative for Members with Disabilities, President/Founding member of the PSAC Vancouver Island Human Rights Committee, UNDE Local 21008 Vice-President, UNDE Local 21008 President and the UNDE National Human Rights Advisor. Driven by a strong sense of natural justice he has succeeded in effecting work place change ever since. Instrumental in this change is his ability to establish, contribute to and maintain labour/management relationships. He believes relationships are crucially important in identifying and resolving workplace issues. Like all relationships it takes work and Paul has been doing this work for 15+ years.

Biography

A dedicated trade unionist and skilled trades professional, Stephen Warren has spent much of his career advocating for workers and strengthening union representation in the federal public service. His practical experience, leadership, and commitment to members have made him a respected voice within UNDE.

Steve began his federal public service career with Parks Canada in Northern Manitoba and later worked with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at the Research and Development Centre in St John’s before joining the Department of National Defence in 2016 as a Property Officer with Construction Engineering, now Real Property Operations. A certified HVAC technician by trade, he first became involved in the labour movement through the United Association before becoming active within PSAC and UNDE.

His union activism began at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, where he served on the Local Executive as Secretary. After joining DND, Steve once again stepped into a leadership role, serving as Secretary, Chief Shop Steward, Vice-President, and eventually President of his Local. His dedication to representing members and improving workplaces led to his election as Regional Vice-President for Newfoundland and Labrador/New Brunswick at the 2023 UNDE Convention, after first serving as the region’s Delegate Vice-President beginning in 2021.

Throughout his union career, Steve has remained committed to ensuring members receive strong representation and support. He believes that active and engaged unions are essential to protecting workers’ rights and strengthening workplaces for future generations.

Biography

Mona began her career in the Federal Public service in 2001 as a FOS02 at 17 Wing Winnipeg. She advanced quickly to a FOS03 and is eligible to challenge for RED Seal Certification. Mona was a representative on the General Services Committee helping the SV group and she has written several business cases fighting for public service jobs to remain in house. Putting to work her degree in Business Administration, she has recently made a work life change to the administrative support team at 38 CBG HQ.

Upon joining the public service, Mona became an activist within her workplace immediately. She has held several positions on the executive, which include Education Officer, Secretary, Chief Shop Steward, VP, and President. In 2014, Mona became the VP for Manitoba/Saskatchewan where she represents members at the 3 CDN DIV UMCC and RPOU (West). Mona also holds the portfolios for 1 CAD UMCC, Young Workers Committee, and Communications and Training Committee.

A strong believer in Education and has committed many hours to the numerous training sessions offered. Mona is currently a UNDE, Alliance, and JLP Facilitator. She believes education advances the equity and equality in the workplace and in the union, challenging barriers and bridging gaps. Mona feels participating in various education courses provides opportunities for members to share experiences and build networks and connections which also empower members to understand, use, and fight for their rights. Mona believes a "trained membership is an active membership and active members build a strong union".

In addition to her union engagement Mona has always been an active volunteer within her community devoting many volunteer hours to organizations such as Nova House Women's Shelter. Mona is an active member of the PSAC Prairie Women's Committee and Manitoba Federation of Labour. She has lobbied countless MPs, MLAs and City Counsellors. Recently she has assisted with bargaining for the Private Sector Locals and has been a delegate to the National Bargaining Conference.

Biography

A committed union activist and community leader, Marcelo Lazaro has spent nearly two decades advocating for workers’ rights and improving working conditions for UNDE members. Known for his accessibility, determination, and results-oriented leadership, he has built a reputation as a strong voice for workers across British Columbia.

Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, Marcelo has called Victoria, British Columbia home since 1998. He began his career with the federal public service in 2005 as a GL-MAN-05 Municipal Worker Maintainer at CFB Esquimalt. From the beginning of his career, he understood the importance of solidarity and collective action in building stronger workplaces.

Marcelo became a Shop Steward in 2006 and quickly earned the trust of his fellow members. He went on to serve as Chief Shop Steward, Vice-President, and in 2011, President of his local. In November 2023, he was elected Vice-President for British Columbia, representing members across the province on the UNDE National Executive.

In addition to his leadership roles within UNDE, Marcelo has represented members at the bargaining table on three occasions as a member of the SV Bargaining Team. During the 2014 round of negotiations, he helped secure important gains for workers, including the protection of sick leave, improvements to the Workforce Adjustment Appendix, and wage increases resulting from a joint wage study.

Marcelo remains committed to putting members first. Whether advocating for stronger workplace protections, defending collective agreement rights, or supporting members through workplace challenges, he believes the union’s strength comes from the solidarity and engagement of its members. His focus continues to be on building trust, delivering results, and ensuring workers’ voices are heard at every level of decision-making.

Biography

A passionate advocate for fairness and equality in the workplace, Cathy O’Kane has dedicated more than three decades to improving working conditions for Non-Public Funds employees and ensuring members have a strong voice in their workplace. She is known for her unwavering commitment to standing up for workers and challenging inequities wherever they exist.

Cathy began her union journey in 1994 when she became a member of the Public Service Alliance of Canada. Motivated by a desire to address workplace injustices and improve conditions for workers, she became a Shop Steward in 1999 and was elected President of her Local in 2009. In 2017, she was elected Vice-President for Non-Public Funds, representing NPF members across the country on the UNDE National Executive.

With 35 years of service to the employer, Cathy has witnessed firsthand the challenges facing NPF workers. Her involvement in the union was driven by frustration with growing inequities and a determination to ensure members are treated fairly and with respect. She has consistently advocated for improved wages, stronger workplace protections, and greater recognition of the important contributions made by NPF employees.

Throughout her union career, Cathy has remained committed to one simple principle: when workers are treated unfairly, someone needs to stand up and speak out. She continues to bring that passion and dedication to her work on behalf of UNDE members.