After 11 years, President of Canada’s largest local union to ‘progress into a new chapter’

TORONTO, ONTARIO– Ann Dembinski, President of Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 79, today announced she will not seek re-election later this year.

“I will be leaving the presidency with great pride and confidence in the Local’s future,” Dembinski said in letter to the Executive and members of Local 79.

The announcement caps a distinguished 36-year career as a municipal employee and leader of Canada’s largest local Union.

During that period, Dembinski served in a variety of roles, including Chief Steward. In her letter to members and the Local 79 executive, she stated that, “None has been more fulfilling – or challenging – than that of President.”

Elections for CUPE Local 79’s Executive Board will take place in November. Dembinski will serve out the remainder of her term, which will expire at the end of the year. During that period, she will continue to work closely with Local 79’s current and future executive to ensure both an orderly transition and to provide assistance with what promises to be a challenging round of bargaining with the City of Toronto.

• To view Ann’s  letter to member, visit the following link or see below:
  http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/letter.pdf

Dembinski: A personal message regarding the Local 79 elections to be held this fall

After eleven years as President of Local 79, my current term of office will be ending later this year.

I am writing to announce that I will not be seeking re-election.

I have been honored to hold numerous executive positions within the Local during more than three decades. None has been more fulfilling – or challenging – than that of President.

Much has been accomplished during those years. Of course, much remains to be done. But for me personally, the time has come to pass the torch and progress into a new chapter of my life.

Having worked shoulder to shoulder with the other senior leaders of the Local, with staff, and the assigned CUPE National Representatives, I will be leaving the presidency with great pride and confidence in the Local’s future.

Former Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams once said that if you want a happy ending, you need to know when to end your story. When the present chapter of my story ends later this year, I ask only that I be remembered as someone who always put the members first and always did her best.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Yours in solidarity,

Ann Dembinski