It is with deep regret that I pass on to you the sad news today that our adored labour leader and trailblazer for women’s rights, Sister Julie Davis, has passed away. She was 68.
Born in Brantford, Ontario, Julie Davis’ commitment to improve the lives of working people began in the 1970s as a steward for OPEIU. She was a close colleague of mine for decades, and we spent nearly ten memorable years together at CUPE, where she served CUPE members steadfastly as the Managing Director for Organizing Field Services.
It is impossible to name all of Julie’s many accomplishments. During the 1980s when the women’s movement was making great gains and challenging gender discrimination and inequality, Julie was at the forefront of the struggle.
She inspired a generation of women labour activists when she broke through the barriers of the traditionally male-dominated labour movement in 1986 to become the first woman officer elected to the Ontario Federation of Labour. She served as the OFL’s Executive Vice-President from 1986 to 1988 and Secretary-Treasurer from 1988 to 1995.
Her commitment to social justice extended into politics, where she became active in the Ontario New Democratic Party. She was elected President of the Ontario NDP, and chaired the NDP’s historic 1990 election campaign that swept the party to power under Leader Bob Rae. Afterward, Julie explained their victory in simple terms: “people were fed up and the NDP provided the alternative.”
Her ties to labour, human rights, and the NDP remained strong. She joined the board of Ed Broadbent’s International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development, and served as the labour representative on the NDP’s federal council during Jack Layton’s leadership.
I look back on my years working with Julie at CUPE with fondness and admiration for her dedication, compassion and integrity. Today, as the President of the Ontario Federation of Labour, I see her influence everywhere, especially the strong commitment to diversity and representation of equity-seeking groups in our campaigns, and around the table of our own Executive Board.
On behalf of the Ontario Federation of Labour, our officers and 54 unions representing 1 million workers in Ontario, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to Julie’s family, and all of the Sisters and Brothers in our movement whose lives she touched.
In solidarity,
Sid Ryan
President
Ontario Federation of Labour
