To review candidate speeches, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on a candidate’s name.
The Local Bargaining Committee will negotiate the Local 2100 Collective Agreement for the term beginning September 2026.
Members are invited to submit a nomination for the position of Bargaining Committee Delegate or Alternate. Local Presidents are automatic Delegates, therefore there are 6 Delegate positions and 2 Alternate positions to be filled through this election.
Role & Responsibility
The Bargaining Committee advocates for the rights and protections of our members. This is a demanding and important role, and each elected Delegate and Alternate is expected to contribute actively and effectively, bringing the necessary knowledge, skills, and commitment to the table.
Strong candidates for the Bargaining Committee should demonstrate:
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- A strong working knowledge of the collective agreement
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- A clear commitment to representing the interests of the membership
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- Active involvement in union work
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- Regular attendance at General Membership meetings, and for Stewards, regular attendance at Local Executive Committee meetings
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- Strong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to take clear and accurate notes
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- The ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion
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- A calm, solution-focused approach in complex or high-pressure situations
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- A proven record of consistent attendance, reliability, and accountability
Time Commitment
Delegates and Alternates must be available to attend all scheduled meetings. Please note that negotiations may take place outside of regular working hours, including evenings and overnight sessions, and meetings may be called on short notice.
Nominees were invited to submit a brief write-up (100 words or less) outlining their interest in the role to support informed voting. Submitted write-ups can be accessed by clicking on the nominees’ names below.
Atiya Sohail
My name is Atiya Sohail. I have been a DECE with PDSB for the past 14 years.
I am pleased to nominate myself as a Delegate & Alternate for the Bargaining Committee for OPSEU Local 2100. Through my involvement in different union committees and attendance at various union events, I have gained valuable experience and a fair understanding of our Collective Agreement to better represent our members’ rights and interests. I bring a calm, solution-focused approach and take my responsibilities seriously, including maintaining confidentiality and clear communication. I also believe it is important to have representation from DECE members within Local 2100 at the bargaining table, ensuring our voices and unique workplace concerns are heard. I understand this role demands reliability and flexibility, and I humbly ask for your support and trust.
In Solidarity,
Atiya Sohail
Genea Hylton
My name is Genea Hylton, and I am interested in serving as a Bargaining Committee Delegate because I am passionate about advocating for members and strengthening our collective agreement.
As an active union member with experience in committee work, workplace advocacy, member engagement, and previous bargaining team training, I understand the importance of collaboration, communication, confidentiality, and accountability. I regularly attend union meetings, stay informed on member concerns, and am committed to representing the membership fairly and respectfully. I bring a strong working knowledge of our collective agreement, strong note-taking and communication skills, and a calm, solution-focused approach.
I would welcome the opportunity to contribute my experience, reliability, and dedication to the bargaining team, and I would sincerely appreciate your support and votes.
In Solidarity,
Genea Hylton
Jason Hughes
Local 2100 Siblings,
My name is Jason Hughes, and I am asking for your vote to represent you on this year’s Local Bargaining Team.
Having served on our committee during the last round of negotiations, I gained a deep, hands-on understanding of how this process works. This year, that experience will be critical.
We aren’t just negotiating with our employer; we are fighting to protect our rights against the Doug Ford Agenda. We need a team that doesn’t need on-the-job training, and I am ready to hit the ground running.
Our Health & Safety is the foundation of stability for both our members and our students. We need training that is actually meaningful and relevant to our jobs—not just box-checking exercises. We must directly address staffing levels and ensure equity when it comes to supervision. These are the battles we started in the last round, and I am ready to finish them.
We also know that a two-tier bargaining process is designed to create confusion. The employer hopes it divides us. I will work to cut through that noise and provide clear, transparent communication. Every member deserves a voice, and I want to hear what you need. My job on this committee isn’t to push my own agenda, or what the committee thinks you need—it is to bring your real, lived concerns directly to the table. For the items that legally must be handled at the central level rather than local, I will ensure you always know exactly where those lines are drawn.
I have been taught my entire life that bargaining is a long-term strategy. It requires careful planning, strategic advances, and calculated concessions that make the employer feel like they’ve won, while we secure exactly what we set out to achieve.
Local 2100 is Worth Fighting For. I am ready to do the work, and I will represent every single one of you to the absolute best of my ability.
In Solidarity,
Jason Hughes
Brie-Ann Telfod
Hello everyone,
I’m putting my name forward for the Local Bargaining Committee because I care deeply about advocating for our members and ensuring our voices are heard at the table. Through my work, I’ve seen the increasing complexity of our roles, the importance of health and safety supports, and the need for respectful, fair working conditions.
I believe in collaboration, strong communication, and standing up for what members need to be successful in their jobs. I want to help ensure bargaining reflects the realities we face every day and supports both current members and those entering the profession in the future.
Melinda Morbi
As a Permanent DECE since 2014, I am deeply committed to supporting our members and strengthening our union. I have actively participated in union affairs, serving as both a Steward and a Designated Health & Safety Representative. During our last round of bargaining, I was involved in member outreach, ensuring that members’ voices and concerns were heard throughout the process.
I believe bargaining candidates must be vocal, engaged, and fully invested in achieving the best possible outcomes for our members. A strong, united union front is essential to protecting our rights and advancing our collective interests. If elected, I will continue to advocate for our members, represent their needs, and work collaboratively to secure fair and meaningful gains for all.
Amy Rideout
Glenda Harasyn
With nearly 25 years experience as an EA in elementary and middle schools, I’ve witnessed firsthand how working conditions have evolved. I’ve supported students with complex needs alongside dedicated teams, where we relied on one another to navigate some very challenging days.
Those experiences have inspired me to become more involved with the union to advocate for stronger conditions that benefit both our members and our students.
I believe strongly in fairness, respect, and equity, and in making sure every voice is genuinely heard.
I am committed, passionate, and ready to stand up for meaningful, positive outcomes for our members.
Trisha Davison
I am asking for your vote to represent Educational Assistants on the OPSEU 2100 Bargaining Committee. Having worked with the Peel District School Board since 2000, I have over 25 years of experience supporting students and collaborating with colleagues across our schools. Throughout my career, I have witnessed the challenges EAs face and understand the importance of strong representation at the bargaining table. I am committed to listening to members, advocating for fair wages, improved working conditions, and respect for the vital work we do every day. With my experience, dedication, and commitment to our membership, I will work hard to ensure your voice is heard and your interests are protected.
Patricia Rizzo
Local Bargaining – Vote for Patricia Rizzo
Hello respected members of Local 2100:
My name is Patricia Rizzo, and I am seeking election to represent you in local bargaining.
Grounded in nearly 30 years of union activism, I dedicated my practice to workplace advocacy and education & communication. And as an employee working with various management levels, I lobby to improve conditions and promote equitable practices for our members.
With a firm commitment to the process and the privilege and honour of representing our members in the past couple rounds of bargaining, I carry that history and utilize that detailed knowledge, intentions and shared interpretations. In each round, I have skillfully applied my own meticulous research, legal background information in mediation work and writing representations/provisions, and access to sources I have cultivated over the years that establish and protect our position – and most importantly, to ensure accountability at the table.
I have a solid understanding of what matters to our members and I take the extra steps needed to fight for our members. I’ve already demonstrated I’m willing to go all night if needed and even walk away from the table when necessary. I serve the membership – not individual egos.
Thank you! I hope to count on your support.
Jenna Suffern
My name is Jenna Suffern and I believe I would make a strong addition to the bargaining committee because I bring a solid understanding of our collective agreement, developed through both formal educationals and self-study. My experience as a School Steward and as an active member of our Member Advocacy and Engagement Committee reflects my commitment to supporting and advocating for our members. I approach not only my own work, but also union work with careful attention to detail, reliability, and a strong sense of responsibility. My communication skills allow me to listen effectively, share information clearly, and collaborate with others to achieve fair, member-focused outcomes. I am dedicated to representing our local with integrity and purpose.