Ontario’s labour movement lost a proud trade unionist and an anti-racist activist last month with the passing of Gloria David. Hailing from OPSEU Local 532, Gloria invested decades of energy into building a strong local, both as Secretary and as President. She brought forward her passion and talents as a member of the OPSEU Provincial Women’s Committee, executive member of the OPSEU Greater Toronto Area Council, and as a delegate to the Toronto and York Region Labour Council.
“Gloria always rose above and beyond the call of duty. Our Local 532 would not be in the positive position it is today if not for Gloria David. She was an invaluable and beloved working class fighter.” – OPSEU Local 532 President Julius Arscott
However, Gloria’s activism extended far beyond her local and her own union. Always involved in the Filipino community, Gloria found a perfect balance between her union activism and community involvement in the Asian Canadian Labour Alliance (ACLA). While at ACLA, she worked with the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) and the Latin American Trade Unionists Coalition (LATUC) to build solidarity across all workers, support equity-seeking workers and challenge racism in society and within the labour movement.
Gloria was active in her union local right up to her last days on the job. After fighting cancer for several months, Gloria succumbed to her illness on March 27, 2015.
