ROB FAIRLEY

Rob Fairley is retired Director of Strategic Services at Toronto & York Region Labour Council.
Rob became a member of CUPE Local One when he started at Toronto Hydro in 1972. He worked there as a labourer and as an electrician. Rob served in many roles at Local One including president from 1987 to 1995. He led the fight for ground-breaking equity programs at Toronto Hydro. Rob served one term on CUPE’s National Executive Board. Since leaving Local One in 1995, Rob has worked on many campaigns and strikes. His specialty is facilitating union renewal workshops and strategic planning sessions for local unions. Contact Rob at: info@campaignorganizing.org 

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MIKE BALKWILL
 

Mike Balkwill is a self-employed organizer and community development consultant. Mike has worked with grassroots groups and non-profit organizations in many sectors: housing, health, community services and the environment. He has taught courses in community organizing and social movements at McMaster and York universities.

Mike supports campaigns to protect the environment from extractive industries and corporate profiteering. As Campaign Director with Wellington Water Watchers (WWW) since 2016, Mike has played an important role in their campaign to oppose Nestlé water bottling operations in Wellington County. In the face of mounting public pressure, Nestlé recently sold all its water bottling operations in Canada. With WWW staff, Mike provides strategic and operational support to local and international grass roots campaigns.
 
Mike is also the publisher of Commonact Press.