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Elected Treasurer WLUSA at the April 2026 AGM

Thank you very kindly to all those who voted for me we did succeed in every capacity, maybe Treasurer was in the plan always right from the start of this campaign.  I always say the journey is more important that the destination.  And while we had an amazing journey we now know a little bit more about each other.  And for that I must say thank you thank you thank you.  You have allowed me to serve again and I am greatful to you.  I will not let you down.


my term begin July 1st 2026...  till then Merci, Thank you, Miigwetch.   





















I want to represent you effectively and deliver results that matter.


I bring extensive experience in strategic planning, negotiations, research, training and dispute resolution, including grievances, arbitrations and mediations. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated my commitment by chairing and overseeing committees and working groups.

Why I wish to be your Vice President Internal

One : Facilitate change with a focus on the constitution and by-laws


I want to be clear. Our rules are good, but times change and our internal policies and processes must adapt. I will focus on governance, on our policies and our by-laws. On our rules within WLUSA.


Two: Our new Member orientations and Member engagement education; will be a priority


I would like to introduce campus days: one-on-one meet and greets. I believe that WLUSA must connect with our new members and enhance engagement with existing members through outreach.


Three: WLUSA has a budget crisis


Our revenues are restricted vs our costs.


We must look to live within our means again and put a focus on bargaining, Member protection and Member benefits.


I will work with our Treasurer, so that we are efficient with our money.


What Does a VP, Internal Do?


The Vice-President Internal plays an important role in supporting the overall leadership and day-to-day operations of the Association. This position helps ensure that governance processes are followed, members are supported, and the work of the Association runs smoothly and effectively.

In this role, the VP, Internal:


  • · Supports the president and steps in for them when needed.
  • · Assists the grievance officer in carrying out grievances.
  • · Provides financial oversight as co-signing authority.
  • · Leads new member orientation sessions.
  • · Serves as the Constitution Officer and acts as the approver for the President’s leave reports.

(For the official role description, see article 6.3 of the Wilfrid Laurier University Staff Association Constitution (Revised June 2025).)

Motions and Rationale:

MAC 7-26:


Official wording: BIRT the WLUSA Executive investigate and propose motions to AMPA 2027 that look to reducing OSSTF expenses, reducing union dues, or both


What this means: The executive will review union spending and bring forward proposals to reduce expenses, union dues or both at AMPA 2027.


Why this matters: Members have raised concerns about rising costs. Financial reports show that spending is currently exceeding available resources, as per the OSSTF Provincial Treasurers report. This motion focuses on finding ways to reduce expenses and ease the financial burden on members while ensuring the union remains sustainable.



MAC 8-26:


Official wording: BIRT the WLUSA Executive create a work group that examines the cost-benefit analysis of being with OSSTF. The work group would review the amount of dues paid to OSSTF and compare it to the rebates that are returned to the local, grievance arbitration history, professional development attendance, and other ways that WLUSA interacts with OSSTF.


What this means: A working group will be created to assess the value WLUSA receives from OSSTF. This includes reviewing:


· Dues paid to OSSTF

· Rebates returned to WLUSA

· Grievance and arbitration support

· Professional development opportunities

· Other services and interactions


Why this matters: Members want greater transparency and accountability regarding union dues. This review will help determine whether WLUSA is receiving appropriate value from OSSTF Provincial and ensure funds are being used effectively.



MAC 9-26:

Official Wording: BIRT the WLUSA Executive initiate an organizing drive to unionize Brantford and Milton Campuses.


What this means: The executive will begin organizing efforts to unionize the Brantford and Milton campuses.


Why this matters: Members are concerned about the work being done in Brantford and Milton. Members want to ensure that:


· Work is distributed fairly

· Compensation benefits are equitable

· All workers are properly represented


This motion aims to protect member work and ensure fairness across all campuses.



MAC 10-26: 

Official Wording: BIRT the hours of the administrative assistant position be increased from 28 hours per week to 35 hours per week.


What this means: The administrative assistant position will increase from 28 to 35 hours per week (full-time).


Why this matters: The workload supporting members, committees, and meetings has grown significantly. Increasing this role to full-time ensures:


· Timely support for members

· Better coordination of union activities

· Improved overall service

My Speech:


Hi everyone, my name is Niru, and I am asking for your vote today for VP Internal.

I have always been passionate about our union. I took a step back over the past four years to focus on my health, and I’m proud to say I’m now back—healthy, energized, and ready to contribute again.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve learned a lot through this campaign—especially about how we approach changes to our Constitution. What’s clear is this: change comes from Members. The role of the VP Internal is to make that change possible—by bringing ideas forward, helping shape them, and guiding them through the process. The Constitution belongs to the Members, not to any one position, and my commitment is to make sure every Member knows how to be part of shaping it.

Last month, I took the first step by bringing forward a motion to Council to remove alcohol from allowable meal expenses. It was unanimously adopted.

As VP Internal, my second priority is member engagement. This role is responsible for new member orientations, and I will continue that work—but I also want to go further. I want to take every opportunity to meet with new Members, hear their perspectives, and understand what matters to them as they begin their careers at Laurier. Our union is strongest when Members are not just informed, but involved. I want to build a culture where every voice feels welcome, valued, and part of the decisions we make.

My third priority is our budget. Our revenues have remained relatively flat, while expenses continue to rise. This year, we benefited from a one-time increase in revenue through the dues adjustment—but that is not a long-term solution. We are now at the point where we are no longer budgeting surpluses for our member protection account. I am committed to working with the Treasurer to ensure we make thoughtful, sustainable decisions that protect what matters most to Members.

I am focused on what matters most to you—bargaining, compensation, member protection, and strengthening our benefits. These priorities will guide the decisions we make as a union, in our work with the University and in how we support one another.


This is my commitment to you. I ask for your vote.


Thank you. Merci. Megwitch.

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My Speech at the WLUSA AGM April 29th 2026

My experience

WLUSA Executive Experience: 

2021 - 2022: Vice President External

2017 - 2021: Chief Negotiator

2017- 2018: Provincial Councillor OSSTF D35 Laurier

2017-2018: Past President

2015-2017: President

2015 - 2016: District 35 President ( Algoma, Brock, Guelph, Ottawa & Laurier )

2013 - 2016: OSSTF CBC Provincial Committee - Negotiations Advisory Committee

2013-2014: Vice President External

2010-2013: Chief Negotiator

2008-2010: Council

2006-2008: Past President

2004-2006: President

2002-2004: Vice President Internal

1997-2002: Treasurer

   OSSTF Provincial Experience: 

2020: Voting Delegate 35-Universities Dist

2019: Voting Delegate 35-Universities Dist 

2018-2020: Member Protective Services Committee 

2018-2020: Voting Delegate 35-Universities Dist 

2018: Chief Negotiator 35-WLUSA (Wilfrid Laurier University Staff Assoc) 

2017-2018: Member Collective Bargaining Committee 

2017-2018: Provincial Councillor 35-WLUSA (Wilfrid Laurier University Staff Assoc) 

2017: Voting Delegate 35-Universities Dist 

2016-2017: District Executive Officer 35-Universities Dist 

2016: Voting Delegate 35-Universities Dist 

2015-2017: President 35-WLUSA (Wilfrid Laurier University Staff Assoc) 

2015-2017: Provincial Councillor 35-WLUSA (Wilfrid Laurier University Staff Assoc) 

2015-2016: District President 35-Universities Dist 

2015: Voting Delegate 35-Universities Dist 

2014: Voting Delegate 35-Universities Dist 

2013-2015: Vice-President 35-WLUSA (Wilfrid Laurier University Staff Assoc) 

2013-2016: Member Collective Bargaining Committee 

2013: Voting Delegate 35-Universities Dist 

2011-2013: Chief Negotiator 35-WLUSA (Wilfrid Laurier University Staff Assoc)

   Experience and Training Outside of OSSTF:

2019: Queen's University IRC - Relationship Management in a Unionized Environment Prog.

2015-2017: Waterloo Regional Labour Council Executive

2017: Business Analyst Certification; Waterloo University

2011-2017: Laurier Board of Governor, elected staff rep two terms, Executive and Governance, Finance and Investments, Buildings and Properties, Audit and Compliance, Pension Committees

2013: Agile Project Management Certified Professional; Waterloo University

2014-2019: Coach Minor Hockey

Vote for Experienced Leadership

At the April 29 WLUSA AGM, vote Niru for Vice President, Internal to ensure you have strong representation and real results.


Would you like to work with me? contact me.  niru.philip@gmail.com