I’m John McGaughey (he/him) and honoured to have accepted the nomination for Secretary-Treasurer put forward by Jeannie Haller and seconded by Janine Rivière.  I’ve been an instructor in the International Foundation Program (IFP) at New College since 2014. My involvement in CUPE3902 began as part of Unit 6’s unionization drive and as a member of the bargaining team that negotiated our first collective agreement in 2022.  As part of the bargaining team, I was the finance specialist where I worked with the wage grids, benefits, and funds that became part of the final collective agreement. Outside of working at U of T, I’m a husband, a father of two kids, and as part of my lifetime of experiences with precarious employment, I’ve had a number of jobs. I have experience working on budgets as a small business owner and negotiating mortgages with financial institutions. As Secretary-Treasurer, I intend to build on all of my experiences and incorporate principles of transparency and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in my duties. 

As Secretary-Treasurer, I view transparency as essential when working with the executive and members. Historically our union has run with a very large surplus that is a result of the dues paid by each of us. Whether it be purchasing a union hall, donating to support allies, or distributing funds, as Secretary-Treasurer, I will be open and transparent of how our dues are being spent. I will also continue the work to incorporate the recommendations of our trustees so that our financial procedures gain further transparency. 

Moreover, I view the position of Secretary-Treasurer through lenses of equity, diversity and inclusion.  My commitment to EDI stems from my curriculum development work with my colleagues in the IFP where we developed curricula with EDI in higher education as its focus. I recognize the importance of including equity-seeking members and I will continue the work to ensure that members are aware of and can take advantage of the growing pool of equity funds. Furthermore, where possible, I will seek to add additional funds for equity-seeking members based on suggestions through the equity funds subcommittee.  Also whenever possible, I will seek diverse representation on key committees, including the budget committee, so that the diverse views of CUPE 3902’s members shape the financial direction of our union.  

Thank you for taking the time to learn about how I can support you as Secretary-Treasurer! I am grateful for your support on Thursday, May 4th, 2023!

In solidarity,

John

 

 

I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and awareness, I have no conflicts of interests relating to the CUPE3902 Secretary-Treasurer position.