About us

Union solidarity is based on the principle that union members are equal and deserve mutual respect at all levels. Any behaviour that creates conflict prevents us from working together to strengthen our union.

As unionists, mutual respect, cooperation and understanding are our goals. We should neither condone nor tolerate behaviour that undermines the dignity or self-esteem of any individual or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.

Discriminatory speech or conduct which is racist, sexist, transphobic or homophobic hurts and thereby divides us. So too, does discrimination on the basis of ability, age, class, religion, language and ethnic origin.

Sometimes discrimination takes the form of harassment. Harassment means using real or perceived power to abuse, devalue or humiliate. Harassment should not be treated as a joke. The uneasiness and resentment that it creates are not feelings that help us grow as a union.

Discrimination and harassment focus on characteristics that make us different; and they reduce our capacity to work together on shared concerns such as decent wages, safe working conditions, and justice in the workplace, society and in our union.

CUPE’s policies and practices must reflect our commitment to equality. Members, staff and elected officers must be mindful that all persons deserve dignity, equality and respect.

Shelly Swinkels-Herlick
President
cupe3615hpcdsb@gmail.com

Audrey Bergsma
Vice President
cupe3615hpcdsb@gmail.com

Erin Verellen
Secretary-Treasurer
Cupe3615hpcdsb@gmail.com

Amanda Miller
Recording Secretary
cupe3615hpcdsb@gmail.com

Amy Ritz
DECE Rep
cupe3615hpcdsb@gmail.com

Nancy Brown
Hall Monitor Rep
cupe3615hpcdsb@gmail.com

Bargaining Committee Members

Joe Tigani, Shelly Swinkels-Herlick, Jackie MacDonald, Glen Brown, Kim Connolly, Cheryl Ann St. Onge

Alternate – Audrey Bergsma

NEW –  Mobilization Committee

Joyce Marshall and Patty Shantz

CUPE Local 3615 represents approximately 200 members who are Administrative Assistants, Designated Early Childhood Educators, Educational Assistants, Library Technicians, and Hall Monitors.

We work with the youngest and newest learners to our system and with some of the most vulnerable students to give them a strong foundation to live and learn on.

CUPE members work in the Catholic schools in small rural communities all across Huron and Perth counties including Stratford, St. Marys, Mitchell, Seaforth, Clinton Goderich, Listowell and Wingham.

We are a part of the Huron Perth Catholic District School Board. We have been members of CUPE for over 25 years.

We are affiliated with CUPE Ontario and the OSBCU.