Brothers and Sisters,
The Auto industry in Canada since 2020 has received significant investments that are reshaping and growing our industry but also creating an increase level of complexity and instability for many Unifor members and workers. Unifor National President Lana Payne and senior Unifor leadership have identified a need for the National Union to provide greater support to Local Unions, especially those in the Auto Sector and Independent Parts Sector. This additional support will help our members and union navigate the challenges ahead. I have been offered the opportunity to take on this responsibility. After careful consideration and much thought and discussion with my family I have accepted this new challenge.
Making the decision to leave our Local Union to join the National was not easy. As a third-generation 707 auto worker with over 27 years of seniority, I have always taken great pride in being a part of this Local. Although my role within our Union is changing, I will stay connected with the Local and lend support and guidance from my new role as National Service Representative. My continued support of this leadership and membership and my commitment to the success of Unifor Local 707 is unwavering.
As part of this new role, I will assume responsibilities within the Unifor Auto file and Independent Parts file, including Ford Units. I will also be supporting additional files to help support our members.
It is important that I acknowledge and thank ever member of Local 707 past and present for this opportunity. Your support since first being elected to leadership in 2002 has provided me with the necessary experience and knowledge to take on the challenges of this new position. There have been many from our Local that have positively impacted my journey to this point, and I am forever grateful to each of them.
I could have never been able to put the time and effort into supporting this membership without the unwavering understanding of my family. I want to thank them for their continued support and acknowledge sacrifices made in the past and going forward.
The foundation for the future of Oakville and Local 707 is strong. The work that went into bringing a 2.3-billion-dollar investment to the Oakville Assembly Complex will have a lasting impact for years to come. The income security negotiated by this Union will bridge our members until we reach that future. That does not mean the work is done or we can let our guard down. In the current geopolitical climate and with an ever changing and evolving economy it’s as important today as it has ever been, that we continue to engage all levels of government and employers to ensure we have a say in shaping and protecting our future.
The Leadership of Local 707 is well positioned to meet the challenges this membership will have with the launch of the Super Duty at Oakville. Mark Sciberras is a seasoned Local President who has proven to always have the memberships best interest at heart. New energy and ideas have been brought by Rob Tassone, while Chris and Scotty continue to bring insight of the past. Couple that with Jason Del Buono and Roy DeMatos who both have proven they have the work ethic, intelligence, and union values to help guide the leadership and membership into Local 707’s next chapter. Although I only mentioned the in-plant committee it needs to be said that I have confidence in the skills of the entire leadership and thank them all for the support over the years but most importantly for the work they do for the membership of Local 707.
It has been a privilege to represent the members of Unifor Local 707 in every elected position I have held. It is with great pride that I have seen our membership engagement grow and general membership meeting attendance increase since becoming Plant Chairperson. It is also encouraging to see so many members going out of their way to lookout for and support one another. Staying engaged and involved is the key to building solidarity within our Union.
Once again, thank you to all members of Local 707 for allowing me to represent you and work on your behalf for so many years. My role and responsibilities are changing, however, my commitment to work on behalf of Unifor members, including Local 707 members will continue.
In solidarity,
Marc Brennan
Ford Council Vice Chairperson
OAC Plant Chairperson, Unifor Local 707
Union Cell # (905)407-0475
