OSSTF awarded Wanda with the Certificate of Merit

We would like to congratulate our President Wanda Gilmore as she was awarded the AWARD OF MERIT from OSSTF regarding her outstanding contribution to our union.
Nomination Letter
I am pleased to nominate Wanda Gilmore for the prestigious Merit Award in recognition of their exceptional leadership, dedication, and tireless efforts in advocating for the rights and well-being of union members. Under their guidance, our union has flourished, achieving new heights in member engagement, workplace improvements, and organizational growth.
Wanda has consistently demonstrated remarkable skill in balancing the needs of individual members with the collective goals of the union. Their ability to unite a diverse group of workers, while maintaining a clear and effective vision, has resulted in a series of remarkable achievements, including working tirelessly at Brock for over 25 years.
One of their standout achievements was where Wanda has prepared us for our 2024 negotiations that are ongoing. Her guidance, experience and wisdom as been critical in guiding and supporting the table team through these negotiations. This initiative not only showed members how working together achieves our goals but also has reinforced the union’s commitment to fairness, solidarity, and mutual respect.
Some OSSTF members had questions and concerns about on site parking and the rising costs. Wanda organized a meeting with the director of parking where are members could voice concerns, ask the hard questions and get answers. This is just one example of her hands-on approach to concerns on campus.
Beyond their professional accomplishments, Wanda has been a constant source of support and inspiration for the union members. They are always accessible, approachable, and committed to ensuring that every member’s voice is heard. Whether through member meetings, one-on-one conversations, or a clear and open communication style, they have built a culture of transparency and trust within the union. Her work with the TES members, in fighting for their rights and getting them stronger on boarding information has made Brock come up with a On Boarding manual for new TES staff, making it easier for new employees make a smooth transition to Brock,
As a very active member of the Joint Health and Safety Committee, she is a strong example of safety daily, constantly highlighting areas of concern and coming up with improvements and solutions. Their leadership has also extended into advocating for workplace safety, fairness in hiring, and securing necessary resources for workers. Wanda has led efforts to forge stronger relationships with community organizations, labor groups, and government officials, ensuring that our union remains a respected force for positive change.
In conclusion, Wanda has proven to be a leader who not only understands the needs of the members but also actively works to make those needs a reality. Their dedication, strategic foresight, and tireless work ethic make them truly deserving of the Merit Award. Their work has made a lasting impact on our union and the lives of all its members.
Thank you for considering this nomination of Wanda Gilmore for this well-deserved recognition.
Sincerely,
District 35, Brock Support Staff Executive Committee