On May 18, 2012, members of CUPE Local 1867 made history by electing Joanne Macpherson as their first-ever female president. The election for the Nova Scotia Highway Workers’ union took place at their annual general meeting held in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
“I am tremendously honoured to be chosen by my peers as their new president”, says Macpherson. “Their support and solidarity is truly overwhelming.”
Macpherson, a 32-year employee of the provincial Department of Transportation, has been a local activist within her union for the past 14 years. She previously served in numerous executive capacities, including Unit President and more recently as Executive Vice President for the province.
Macpherson says, “I first got involved with the union back in the early nineties when I needed help to file a grievance. The support and encouragement of my local sisters and brothers was extraordinary and from there I was hooked.”
CUPE national representative Lorne Trevors says, “Our union is committed to diversity and this is a major move forward, not only for us but for the union movement in this province.”
Macpherson adds, “My brothers and sisters have placed their trust in me and I intend to live up to that trust. There are many ongoing issues in our workplaces that need to be addressed and I will work hard to deal with them for all members of local 1867.”