Elaine Mills, who has been vice-president
of the Local for nine years, was acclaimed to the president's
position, replacing long-serving Linda Richardson,
who decided it was time for a break. The turnover became
effective at the start of February.
New on board is Mike Verdone, succeeding Mills as
VP. Verdone, who has worked at the Sault
Star as a
copy editor for about 10 years, has been a chapel chair
in the editorial department, and wanted to step up
his involvement in the union, says Mills.
Verdone had previously been active with the Steelworkers'
union and brings a lot of enthusiasm to the executive,
says Mills.
Also unopposed in their re-election last month were
Lori Bromell as treasurer and Deborah Feletti as secretary.
Mills, who has worked at the
Star as a reporter for 16 years, says the 35-member
Local is in good shape at the moment and has no outstanding
grievances. The three bargaining units — editorial, advertising
and circulation-mailroom — ratified a new three-year
collective agreement in December.