2026 MEMBER APPRECIATION EVENT: Again, this year, we are inviting UTE Local 00014 members in good standing and their families to join us at the Willow Cove Pavillion of Confederation Park for free food and fun! click here for details and to RSVP.
February 25, 2026: Lunchtime rally in support of the bargaining team outside 55 Bay (12:30-12:45pm). See the recent posts for new Teams backgrounds as well!
February 7, 2026: PSAC submits unfair labour practices complaint against the Federal government regarding RTO4 plans
February 2026: FPSLREB decision delivered regarding COVID-19 policy grievances
2026 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: click here for information, registration,
What happened?
On Friday, July 11, 2025 at 5:25pm, an armed individual (identified as 17 year old Mackale Lavoie), opened fire on a group of three people (who police believe were his intended targets) at James St. N., and King St. E., wounding one of them. A bystander, 26-year old Belinda Sarkodie, was also shot and killed. A warrant has been issued for Lavoie’s arrest, but as of 10am July 15, 2024, Lavoie has not been apprehended, nor are there any publicly available leads regarding his current whereabouts. If you are heading to the office, please be alert to your surroundings and do your best to keep yourself and others safe. Please don’t hesitate to contact the local if you need support.
Message from UTE00014 President, Gina Degner (excerpted from statement made July 14, 2025):
Dear Members,
It’s with deep concern and a heavy heart that I write to you today.
Many of you have reached out with questions, fears, and growing frustration [about] the deeply unsettling rise in violence in our city…
On Friday, another shooting happened in our city. This time, it was at King and James, right around 5:30 p.m. when many of us are wrapping up our day and heading home. A young woman, an innocent bystander, was killed while walking or taking the bus.
[As of 10am July 15, 2025], the employer has said nothing. No acknowledgment, no plan, no genuine concern. Our members are worried about their own safety and the employer says nothing about this incident as it is business as usual. They could offer Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to give comfort to those affected. People are afraid, unsure, and look to their employer for guidance. That is why the union is writing to you today.
This insensitive approach is unacceptable. Our members’ safety, both physical and psychological, must be a priority not an afterthought.
Our union has made it clear to the employer: remote work is a practical, proven, and necessary solution. Working from home saves the employer millions of dollars, supports public service delivery, and most importantly, keeps our members safe. We are fighting to protect this right and ensure your wellbeing is not treated as expendable.
[…]
We are not backing down. We are looking out for your safety… and your dignity.
Always in solidarity,
Gina Degner
President, UTE Hamilton Local 00014
News coverage of the incident:
CP24 – July 14, 2025
CTV – July 11, 2025
CHCH – July 11, 2025 (updated July 13, 2025)
CBC – July 14, 2025