Sherri O’Byrne
Current CUPE Position: Secretary Treasurer
My name is Sherri OByrne, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for the position of President of CUPE 5791.
I bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record to this role.
- I am a Certified Associate Project Manager, which has equipped me with strong organizational and leadership skills.
- With 20 years of administrative experience, I have developed a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges we face.
- Over the past year, I have served as the Treasurer of CUPE 5791, where I have successfully managed our finances and ensured transparency.
- I have served as the Chair of the CUPE 5791 Social Committee for the past few years, the committee and I have organized numerous events that have fostered a sense of community and solidarity among our members.
- I have experience serving on several boards where I have served as President of a community Recreation Board, a recording secretary and as a treasurer.
If elected as President, I am committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of all our members. I will work tirelessly to ensure that our voices are heard and that we continue to make progress on the issues that matter most to us. It is my vision to keep our members well informed and to take everyone’s thoughts and ideas into consideration.
Together, we can build a stronger, more united CUPE 5791.
Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to the opportunity to serve as your President and to work together for a brighter future.
Justin Ludwig
Current CUPE Position: 2nd Vice President
My name is Justin Ludwig. I’ve been a service mechanic with Facilities Management for the past 12 years. I humbly put my name forward for President of CUPE 5791.
Full member participation is our strength. To that end, if elected my focus will be:
- Member participation: keeping you aware of what’s happening, what’s coming up and where we need your input.
- Committee operations: supporting your committees so they’re operating at full capacity.
- Increasing pride: advocating for our common interests and the role we play together.
Before becoming a Red Seal Refrigeration Mechanic, I obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Regina. I’ve served on volunteer committees such as Saskatchewan Winter Games and Canada Summer Games.
I’ve been a part of diverse planning groups who used a collective focus, to achieve amazing results. This is something our union is capable of, if members take part.
I see how varied our membership is. I will listen to understand your perspectives and how we can advance together.
If elected, I’ll focus on the growth and well-being of members. You’re first.
Regardless of how you vote, please vote – and continue to support CUPE 5791.
Member Questions for the Candidates
1) Jason Stephen: First of all I want to thank both of you for considering the President position. I think we have a long road ahead to rebuild a strong union. I worry about many changes coming to the University and one being our pension plan, what are your thoughts on our pension plan, do we go to a two teared system and keep the plan or do we keep taking pension decreases to maintain it or do we wait until it is dissolve because the University can no longer afford it or perhaps it is fine?
I also think the Union needs to enforce that we are not a safe guard all employees have pull their fair weight and can not take advantages of being in a Union. With the cut backs and change of Leadership it is crucial for use to give the University the best service for the best cost. I have seen them privatize the Bookstore , Food Services, Resident custodians, Resident handy men taking on more roles. What is your plan to get everyone on board to work together to keep our jobs and work towards better pay increases and benefits. If employees are a deficit it is hard to ask for more benefits and wage increases. Thanks again for taking on the role to lead our Union.
Candidate Sherri O’Byrne:
Hello Jason,
Although it may feel that we have a long road ahead of us to rebuild a strong union, I do believe we are on the right track. The current president has taken strides to build strong relationships and to get the resources in place that we need to accomplish this. This work needs to be continued, and the executive team cannot do this alone; it will take the members support to make us strong.
It is understandable to be concerned about any changes to your pension plan as it directly impacts your financial security. Ultimately, the best course of action depends on the specific financial health of the pension plan and the university’s ability to manage it. We do have a Pension and Benefits Committee that will investigate all options provided to us before any decisions would be made to bring forward to the members at our general meetings.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and concerns. It’s clear that you care deeply about the wellbeing of your colleagues and the future of your workplace. I believe to create a strong and supportive union, we must have strong, dedicated members who come to work every day and put their best efforts into their work. Strong work ethic can’t be forced or decided upon by anyone but the individual employee.
Please be sure to participate in the member survey that our current president is preparing for each and everyone of our members to have a voice in the decisions discussed in our committees.
In Solidarity,
Sherri OByrne
Candidate Justin Ludwig:
Thanks for submitting your question. Pension discussions are always important and that is shown by the need for a pension and benefits committee. The meetings held by this committee are exactly where discussions like this should take place and the information put forth by members is addressed. All decisions related to changing or maintaining our current pension should be discussed at the committee level and voted on by the membership at general meetings. This will reflect a decision may by the majorly of the membership. I have personal views on this matter that I will forward for discussion at the committee meeting. I hope to see your thoughts come forward as well.
Thanks for submitting your question. Membership engagement is our strength. In order to best represent our union we need to hear from you and see your support reflected in Cupe 5791 efforts, gatherings and meetings throughout the year. This current executive is in the process of circulating a survey to collect feedback on member issues and concerns. This is a great first step to having your voice heard and hopefully results in continued engagement. Taking pride in being a Cupe 5791 member and the service we provide starts at the individual level. Through continued effective service delivery and support for our members we show how vital we are to the University’s overall success and ultimately compensation that reflects that.
Do you have a question for the candidates?
If you have a question that you want both candidates to answer, please fill in the following form, and when the candidate answers the questions we will post the question and answers for everyone to see.