10/16/2025
Full Disclosure; this is a long post. 🤗Please see my campaign message that dropped in Convention Delegate’s email inboxes today. I hope I can count on your support at Convention next week.
Standing Strong Together for AUPE’s Future
Dear Union Siblings,
My name is Bobby-Joe Borodey, and I am humbly seeking re-election as an AUPE Vice President. I sincerely hope that after reading this email and following my campaign, you will see me as someone you can trust, someone you would want to work with, and someone you would be proud to help lead this union. If that is the case, I would be truly honoured to have your vote at Convention in October.
It has been an incredible honour to serve our members over the past three terms, and I do not take that responsibility lightly. In that time, I have seen the strength of solidarity, the importance of compassion, and the real difference our union makes when we show up for one another. Every decision I make and every action I take comes from a place of service to our members, to our movement, and to the values that keep AUPE strong.
My AUPE journey began 23 years ago in post secondary education at Olds College with Local 71, Chapter 2. I became active early in my career and was fortunate to have strong leaders who mentored and encouraged me to become the activist I am today. I am running again because I still believe deeply in this work, in our members, and in the future we are building together.
During my time as Vice-President, I have had the privilege of serving in the two largest regions in the province, spending four years in Calgary and two years in Edmonton. I have also chaired the Young Activist Committee, the Human Rights Committee, and the Legislative Committee. In these roles, I have been able to accomplish many things that have added significant value to our union. I am particularly proud of helping to lead the updates to our Statement of Equality, adopted by Convention in 2021, and the development of our Treaty Land Acknowledgement, adopted by Provincial Executive in 2023. These were not just policy changes, they were commitments to living our values of respect, equity, and inclusion in every part of our work.
A central focus of my leadership has been growing strong relationships with members, colleagues, and leadership teams. I have observed that trust, open communication, and collaboration are essential to building a resilient union. These relationships have enabled me to guide members through complex issues, address workplace conflicts, and facilitate constructive dialogue, strengthening both individual members and the union as a whole.
I am the first to admit that I am a bit of a governance and policy enthusiast (nerd), but that passion has allowed me to support members in drafting policy, preparing motions, writing resolutions, and running effective meetings, including Convention itself. Combined with relationship building and conflict resolution, this work has not only produced results but has also helped members develop their own leadership skills and confidence. I believe that by fostering understanding and encouraging dialogue, we can turn challenges into opportunities to grow stronger together as a union.
Looking ahead, my vision for AUPE is rooted in unity, readiness, and inclusion. There are a few key areas I believe we need to focus on.
First, we must remain a union that is always prepared to take action when necessary. Being strike ready ensures we can respond effectively to any situation, pivot when needed, and take courageous action to protect our members.
Second, we must continue to support our labour allies in meaningful ways that complement their work without duplicating it. By allowing subject matter experts to do what they do best, we can focus on AUPE’s shared goals and the needs of our own members.
Third, I believe in social activism that brings members together rather than dividing us. AUPE must continue to take principled stands on the issues that matter to working people, while making sure every member feels welcome, valued, and heard.
We need to continue creating spaces where all members can see themselves reflected in our union. This includes, but is not limited to, younger workers, members learning English as a second language, members of colour, and members with visible and invisible disabilities. Inclusion is not just a talking point; it is a practice, and when every member feels they belong, our union becomes stronger.
Finally, I believe AUPE is strongest when it remains independent and focused on serving our members. While we can stand alongside our labour allies, I do not support formal affiliation with outside organizations under the House of Labour or alignment with any political party. Our union can collaborate closely with allies while remaining proudly and uniquely AUPE.
My leadership is grounded in integrity, empathy, and courage. Open communication, careful listening, and acting with honesty and fairness guide every decision I make. Lifting others up rather than speaking over them is central to how I lead, as is balancing advocacy, accountability, and people skills. Doing what is right, even when it is not easy, is the standard I hold myself to in service of our members.
Please follow my campaign on Facebook, and if you would like to connect please email me at [email protected].
Together we can continue building a union that is strong, inclusive, and ready for whatever comes next.
In solidarity,
Bobby-Joe Borodey
AUPE Vice-President Candidate
