DAVID
PETTEN
Running to be Re-Elected President of CUPE 543
Because Real Experience Matters!
Your voice. Your choice!
Top 10 Reasons to VOTE for Dave Petten Wednesday, 22 May 2024
Beacuse real experience matters - VOTE for Dave Petten on Wednesday, 22 May 2024
Experience and Dedication
With a proven track record of serving members, David Petten brings dedication, commitment, and real experience to the role of President.
Vision for Progress
David Petten's "big picture" approach is geared to make gains for CUPE 543 members.
Strong Leadership
David Petten's leadership style involves effective communication, integrity, critical thinking, decision making, and accountability.
Former President Endorsement
Mark McArthur, Former CUPE 543 President
I want to thank former CUPE 543 President, Mark McArthur, for his endorsement. Mark continues to be a stalwart in the union movement. I appreciate him taking the time to deliver this message.
Member Endorsement
“I would like to take the opportunity to endorse David Petten for re-election to the position of President of Cupe Local 543. I have had the privilege of working with David over the past three years and can attest to his unwavering commitment to represent all members of the amalgamated local. He is the ONLY candidate running for President with the necessary experience to effectively hold this position; the necessary knowledge of collective agreements and language interpretation; of contract bargaining, and of grievance procedures. He is dedicated to serve and assist all members of the local.”
Dawn Vandenham, CUPE 543 Treasurer
Member Endorsement
“I was elected in 2023 to the position, Chief Steward of Local 543. I came in with 9 years as a steward, but very little union office experience. Despite what I was told, or what gossip or rumours I heard throughout the city, I was welcomed with open arms. I spent several months being mentored and guided by all on the board. Most importantly I have had the privilege to learn and grow under our current president. His experience, education, and dedication to the membership is extremely crucial to our success as a Local and has been invaluable to my individual growth. I appreciate all the text, emails, and phone calls of support. Just know that my accolades or successes in my role as Chief Steward are thanks to the great support system of our Executive Board, and in large part due to CUPE 543’s President, David Petten.
Don’t succumb to the false narrative you may have heard in the rumour mills: Vote for Petten on May 15, 2024.”
Dustin Cozma, CUPE 543 Chief Steward
Member Endorsement
“As an employee of 20 years, I am pleased to support Dave Petten for President of Cupe 543. From my experience, Dave is accessible, listens respectfully, responds with honesty and integrity, and each day works diligently to advocate on our behalf”
Paula Nantais, CUPE 543 Member
Member Endorsement
Vote for Dave!
Dave has many years experience on the union executive board. He’s level headed, diplomatic and he understands the importance of kindness and empathy to all.
I can always rely on him to inquire when questions are raised. He’ll listen to different points of view, look at past practices, get all information and promptly give suggestions or solutions to reach a reasonable conclusion.
He continuously give his all. He’s at the union office first thing in the morning and many nights and weekends. He tirelessly prepares for events, for example, painting and decorating floats, being part of the parades/events and then taking down the decorations or tents after the events.
He’s a great union president due to his passion for our local, extensive experience and steady disposition.
Shannon Boutilier-Tilson, CUPE 543 Member
Committee Colleague Testimonial
“If I could vote for you I would! We have known each other for 14 plus years. Working together on the municipal workers committee and OMERS.
The work you have done with your members in the Windsor community is so valuable and needed. 543 is leading by example on so many things.
I wish you all the best in your re-election!”
Ann Jenkins, Union Advocate, CUPE 5167
Because Real Experience Matters!
The role of President is not an entry level or "fake it until you make it" position. Having the right knowledge, experience, and approach makes all the difference. David Petten has put in the hard work and is ready to continue with that work. The members of Local 543 deserve nothing less!
President
David has spent the last four years challenging the status quo. He routinely challenges our employers to do better. He advocates for members by appearing before City Council, he meets with municipal, provincial, and federal allies in government to advance the membership's goals, and he shares the membership's workplace challenges with the community through interviews with the media.
During his tenure, he has helped the Local fend off contracting out, he helped secure the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation holiday for City members, and he continues the push to address the 35 hour workweek gender equity issue.
These are just a few of the projects he has been working on.
Treasurer
Prior to becoming President, David was Treasurer of Local 543 for ten years.
He introduced a budgeting process, allowing for the Local to be more transparent and accountable to the membership. His approach has always been to be fiscally responsible, by resisting wasteful spending.
His goal was, and continues to be, to maximise the value of every dollar spent, ensuring the Local's bank accounts remain healthy, to take on any challenges threatening the membership.
OMW Chair and Committee Member
David served on the CUPE Ontario Municipal Worker's Committee for more than a decade, with three of those years as the Chair. He represented and advocated for municipal CUPE workers across the province.
He championed municipal worker issues in meetings with senior government bureaucrats, elected officials, and representatives of the Association of Municipalities Ontario.
He also did deputations before the provincial advisory committee concerning the Employment Standards Act, and the Ontario Labour Relations Act, and the Toronto City Council General Governance Committee
OMERS Reference Group
David has been passionate about protecting the "pension promise" for members of the OMERS Pension Plan.
He has served on the OMERS Reference Group of CUPE Ontario for several years. He has worked alongside CUPE members across the province to resist benefit cuts and push OMERS to be more focused on Environmental, Social, and Governance issues as it relates to its' investments.
Steward/Health & Safety Rep
David has been a Steward and Health and Safety Representative of the Local for more than a decade.
He has been very active in both roles which are key to representing and protecting the memberships interests.
David routinely files grievances and advocates for better health and safety practises in the workplace.
CUPE Member Facilitator
There is no truer statement than: Knowledge is power. For the last eight years, David has been helping educate members as a trained Member Facilitator for CUPE National.
Empowering fellow members with the education they need to take on abusive employers has been a highlight of his union work.
He takes great pride in sharing his knowledge and experience to help members across the province.
About David Petten's Campaign
Committed to Serving You
David Petten is dedicated to representing the interests of CUPE 543 members. His passion for advocacy and leadership drives positive change within the organization. Join us in shaping a better tomorrow.
14
Years on the 543 Executive Board
14
Number of times at the bargaining table
17
Years of Union Service
Get in touch
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