Vote Borrelli

Mike Borrelli

Candidate for Secretary – Treasurer
for the Society of United Professionals

Endorsements

I have known Mike for many years and am endorsing him for the position of Society Secretary- Treasurer.

Mike is a strategic thinker who has always shown good judgement and promotes the Society and is a great leader for the Society. As the Local VP of the NWMO bargaining unit, he has led his local through some huge work to select a site for the nuclear waste repository, and his excellent communication skills and ability to work well with government and non-government groups will be an asset to the Society. The Secretary Treasurer plays a strong role in the writing of Society policies and procedures, grievance appeals and Society budgeting, all of which I know Mike can do well!

His knowledge of Society governance will make him a strong candidate to oversee the finances of the Society and to continue to keep the Society financially strong and manage the money members entrust us with through their bi-weekly dues.

I hope you will read Mike’s campaign material and if you agree with me that he is a good choice, that you will then cast a vote for him in the Secretary Treasurer election.

Joe Fierro, Local Vice President at Ontario Power Generation

I am endorsing Mike as Secretary Treasurer. I have worked with Mike on the Executive Board for many years. He has always quickly understood the issue. His comments and suggestions are well thought out, and are expressed clearly and understandably. I have seen how well he represents his members. I know that he can undertake the complex tasks of both Secretary and Treasurer for the Society with intelligence and integrity.

Laurie Reid, retired Society Secretary-Treasurer (2021-2025)

I endorse Michael Borelli as our next Secretary Treasurer. He has shown a strong desire to improve our Union through his participation in the Society executive board and other committees and would make an excellent Secretary Treasure.

Dave Ceksters, Local Vice President at Bruce Power

Mike has my endorsement based on more than six years of first-hand observation and working alongside him at the Society Executive Board. I know he will be able to handle the significant role of Secretary-Treasurer, and advance the interests of The Society as a whole.

Martin Hastings, Acting Secretary-Treasurer and LVP at the Independent Electricity System Operator

As a long standing board member and chair of the audit committee I’ve worked alongside Mike Borrelli for many years. Mike brings with him the needed understanding of not only of SUP’s Nuclear portfolio but also has experience with the Indigenous groups we are seeking to partner with.

I’ve found Mike to be knowledgeable in the processes and procedures of the Society while being an advocate for members. He has volunteered to sit on difficult committees for the greater good of our union. He works with steadfast focus on the needs and aspirations of members while being transparent and accountable to the needs of the Society.

I am confident that Mike is the right choice for the role of Secretary-Treasurer and will pick up where Laurie Reid left off in this role of building one vision, one team, strong financially stable and health locals.

I encourage you to speak with Mike, ask him about his vision for the union and this role and support him in leading us in the following term as our Secretary Treasurer.

Susan Sloan, Unit Director at Ontario Power Generation

I wholeheartedly endorse Mike Borrelli for Society of United Professionals Secretary-Treasurer, as his inclusive leadership, thoughtful approach, and strategic mindset make him the ideal candidate to serve with integrity and vision.

Isaac Werner, Unit Director at Nuclear Waste Management Organization

I've known and worked with Mike for a few years; during all this time I can attest that Mike not only always puts integrity in his actions but his thoughts and inputs always bring perspectives I may have not considered.

Andres Urritia Bustos, Unit Director at Nuclear Waste Management Organization

Hello, my name is Sharon Archer, and I am the Local Vice President for Aboriginal Legal Services (ALS). In November 2022, ALS signed our first collective agreement, covering the period from 1999 to 2024. At that time, I had no prior union experience—certainly not in an elected position—so stepping into this role was both new and challenging for me.

It was during this journey that I met Michael Borrelli on the Executive Board. Over the past two years, we've worked together through various committees and meetings. In that time, I’ve come to know Mike as an intelligent, committed, and deeply engaged member of the Society. He consistently volunteers for roles and responsibilities, always looking for ways to contribute and support others.

Mike is not only approachable and easy to talk to—he is also a wealth of knowledge and ideas. His willingness to help and his thoughtful insights have been invaluable to me and many others navigating union work.

I am proud and honoured to endorse Michael Borrelli for the position of Secretary-Treasurer. To everyone I support and stand with—please join me in voting for Mike.

Sharon Archer, Local Vice President, Aboriginal Legal Services (ALS)

I endorse Mike Borrelli for Secretary-Treasurer.

Mike is a strong leader and advocate for workers rights. Mike brings a unique skill set to this important role in our union. As the Society continue to grow, we need someone with the skills needed to help us organize the un-organized. Mike’s communication skills and political savvy will be valuable for the role of organizing for the Society.

Furthermore, I am confident that Mike will continue good governance and oversight of the Society’s budget and finances.

Leon Simeon, OPG Local Unit Director

About Mike

Professional Experience

Employed at the Nuclear Waste Management Organization since 2007
Worked in primarily in Social Research and Engagement roles until 2016
Promoted to Senior Advisor, Municipal Relations (2017)
Secured a rotational promotion as Section Manager, Site Selection (2022)
Proud to have been part of the team that helped select Ignace & Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation as communities to host a deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel (2024)
Currently working as Section Manager, Government Relations (Municipal)

Academic Background

Hons. Double BA in Psychology & Sociology from Wilfrid Laurier University, 2004
MA in Sociology from McMaster University (2005)
Trained and certified in public engagement methods by the International Association for Public Participation (2008, 2015)
Inter-University Consortium on Political and Social Research – Ann Arbor; Summer Program Participant (2006)

Society Involvement

Society Delegate since 2010
Acting Local Vice President (2020-21)
Elected as Local Vice President (2021, 2024)
Member of local bargaining committee (2012, 2014, 2017, 2020, 2023)
Served on a variety of Society committees including:
- Audit Committee
- Discipline and Appeals Panels
- Strategic Planning

Community & Non-profit Involvement

Hamilton Community Land Trust (co-Founder, President 2014-21; Treasurer 2021-present)
Beasley Neighbourhood Association (Chair, Treasurer, various Executive positions, 2007-21)
Ontario Public Interest Research Group – McMaster (Director 2008-10); board trainer (2010-23)
Participatory Budgeting / Plan Local Ward 2, City of Hamilton (2013-15)
TVO Regional Advisory Council – Hamilton Region Councilor (2011-13)
CFMU McMaster Radio – Fundraising Volunteer (2004-2012); On-air host, (2004-12)
McMaster University Graduate Students Association – Vice-President: External (2006)

Candidate Statement

Dear Society Member:

Thank you for taking the time to read candidate statements and getting involved in your union. I appreciate the opportunity to share my background and why I am running for Secretary-Treasurer of the Society of United Professionals, IFPTE Local 160.

My name is Michael “Mike” Borrelli, and I have worked as a Society-represented professional with the Nuclear Waste Management Organization since 2007. I have served in a variety of social research and engagement roles over my career and am proud to have been a part of NWMO’s team that selected a location for a deep geological repository for Canada’s used nuclear fuel.

Currently employed as Section Manager, Government Relations, I have served as our Local’s Vice President since 2020, and as a Delegate and bargaining committee member since 2010, meaning I have been involved in negotiating every one of our bargaining unit’s fair and comprehensive Collective Agreements.

Working to provide local support to Society colleagues has prepared me to step-up and provide that same strong advocacy and energy as a Principal Officer of our union. This October, I am asking you to consider voting for Mike Borrelli for Secretary-Treasurer. I am ready to serve.

Here’s what I offer to The Society’s 10,000+ members:

Trusted Experience: For 15 years I have been running effective meetings, handling grievances, designing member surveys, developing budgets and drafting contract proposals—doing what it takes to serve my colleagues as faithfully and effectively as possible. My additional experience as a Treasurer, Director and Executive Officer of volunteer non-profits also gives me a head-start in understanding the significant breadth of the Secretary-Treasurer’s duties: the role is much more than just financial oversight!
Commitment to teamwork: We are stronger together, and through more than five years of involvement at the Executive Board I have been able to work productively with elected leaders at every one of our locals. Now I am looking for an opportunity to closely collaborate with the Society’s President and Executive Vice President to complete a team of professionals dedicated to member service through good governance and responsible leadership.
Inclusive representation: Ultimately the Secretary-Treasurer is accountable to you: the members. As I have done in my roles with the NWMO, I will listen and learn to inform my approach to tough organizational problems, and work with our union’s equity committees to make sure all voices are heard at decision-making tables. As a seasoned communicator, I will support our Executive’s outreach with governments, labour and other provincial, national and international stakeholders to influence and generate positive outcomes for members.

Visit www.voteborrelli.com to review my detailed platform, read endorsements from Society leaders at OPG, Bruce Power, IESO and other employers. You can also leave your comments, ask questions, or connect with me on LinkedIn! Look for your e-mail ballot October 15th and vote for experience, commitment and engagement by casting a ballot for Mike Borrelli for Secretary-Treasurer.

My platform

My first commitment as a nominee for Secretary-Treasurer is to execute the role with respect for the thousands of Society dues paying members. It is because of my interest and concern for the proper management and oversight of our union that I first became involved with the Society.

Mike is pictured with seven Society members at the Hamilton Labour Day Parade — *Since 2022 I have proudly lead the Society’s contingent at the Hamilton Labour Day Parade!*

The role of Secretary-Treasurer is multi-faceted and serves as both The Society’s Chief Administrative Officer, and lead fiduciary tasked with ensuring the health and sustainability of our union’s assets. Its key accountabilities include serving as Chair of the Standing Finance Committee and working with qualified Society finance staff on the delivery of annual budgets, audits and the management of union trust investments.

As Secretary-Treasurer, I will ensure strong financial oversight and good governance, relying on the expertise of a qualified finance team working on behalf of our 10,000+ members.

In addition to those administrative and finance duties, the Secretary-Treasurer is also the Principal Officer responsible for organizing, grievance appeals, pensions, organizational compliance and risk and property management. These are all major workplace or organizational issues, and each requires significant time and attention. Thankfully our Executive Board has been developing revised strategic plans to approach many of these large organizational concerns, so in the two years remaining on the Secretary-Treasurer’s term, I will:

Execute a Board-approved strategic organizing plan to increase our membership, especially in the growing nuclear sector
Support efforts to educate members about their pensions, and hold the line on employee sponsored pension plans, where they exist
Work with the President and advisors to update The Society’s internal policies and procedures and ensure we are compliant with our governance
Plan succession at our union, including recruiting and retaining the right qualified professionals who make The Society the success that it has become

Mike is pictured with MPP Jamie West and Canadian labour leaders at a tour of an operating nuclear station. — *As LVP for the NWMO local, I have been included in many tours of operating stations, including this tour with MPP Jamie West and Canadian labour leaders*

The Secretary-Treasurer works as part of a larger Executive Board to be the guiding minds of our union and represent the interests of more than ten thousand diverse and highly educated members. Transparency and accountability are essential.

So I commit to using my experience with public engagement and communication to proactively hear from members, government and the labour movement. In return, I will tell you all what I know as transparently as possible. I will be blunt if I need to. This means:

Annual reporting that is honest and free of errors
Representing our membership’s unique, non-partisan voice within the labour movement
At this moment of growth, advocating for workers in our nuclear sector with various levels of government and Indigenous communities

Finally, as an employee for the Nuclear Waste Management Organization, I know what it is like to be a part of a small group with a lot on its shoulders. It can feel exciting for everyone to be pulling in the same direction, but sometimes overwhelming to be swept along. So, I pledge to make sure The Society’s smaller locals get the support and resources they need as they grow. This means completing Society-developed onboarding and education materials for newly elected leaders, as well as offering ongoing training and development for existing leaders. My vision is a union where every bargaining unit can be as successful as our largest bargaining units.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is MB-at-Oakville-Demo-Facility-IMG_0049-1024x827.jpg — In 2024, I was honoured to welcome a delegation from the UK’s Nuclear Waste Services and show them around the NWMO Demonstration & Research facility, as well as the McMaster University nuclear reactor

To sum it up, as Secretary-Treasurer, I will:

Be ready to show up to work and deliver trusted oversight of our union and your membership dues on day one—I’m ready to serve
Further develop and update our internal governance to reflect the union we’ve become as we approach 11,000 members
Build on internal organizational strengths through careful recruitment of staff, and delivery of effective onboarding materials for elected representatives
Advocate for and unionize workers in Canada’s nuclear sector, where the largest opportunities lie to grow The Society’s membership & bargaining strength
Complete the remainder of the two-year term with integrity, and work respectfully and constructively with my colleagues on the Executive Board

With a role as complex as the Secretary-Treasurer, you might have questions about issues I haven’t covered above. If so, I encourage you to REACH OUT to me and let’s talk about your priorities as a member. I encourage you to learn more about all the candidates for Secretary-Treasurer and cast your vote for Mike Borrelli when the voting period opens on October 15^th.