Meet the TC bargaining team

Peter Butler
Peter Butler

Peter is a fishery officer with the Conservation and Protection Branch of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Since 2006, he has worked in regional and interregional detachments helping to protect and conserve Canada’s aquatic ecosystems, which are vital to the country’s environmental and economic well-being.

“After two rounds as an alternate bargaining team member, I’m excited to officially be part of the team this round. I’m ready to build on past gains and help secure a contract that supports members through these tough economic times.”

Peter has held union roles for over a decade, including local president since 2015. He is the national director of regulatory enforcement with the Union of Health and Environment Workers (UHEW) and chairs enforcement committees within DFO and Environment and Climate Change Canada. He also co-chairs the DFO Regional Health & Safety Committee in NL and sits on several other workplace committees.

Shawn Creamer
Shawn Creamer

Shawn has dedicated 24 years to the federal public service, beginning his career at CFB Esquimalt as a casual worker in the base roads and grounds department. He completed his electrical apprenticeship in 2010 and now works as a project manager in the engineering department overseeing critical infrastructure projects for the base. 

“I’m honoured to join the bargaining team. I’ve considered this step for some time, but the timing is now perfect for me to step up and represent my TC family. This round will be challenging, but I’m ready to secure the best possible collective agreement.” 

Shawn began his union journey in 2007 as a steward. He has since served as chief shop steward, treasurer, and 1st vice-president. He co-chaired the finance committee for the Union of National Defence Employees (UNDE) and sat on the committee for two triennial conventions. 

Rubin Kooner
Rubin Kooner

Rubin has worked at Environment and Climate Change Canada in the Air Quality and Research Division since 2005. She currently works as a quality assurance/quality control officer for laboratory accreditation. Previously, she worked as a project technologist in the lab and field measuring, monitoring, and researching air pollution. 

“I feel privileged to have been elected to the TC Bargaining Team. I've always believed in putting members first, and I'll do everything I can to make sure we get a fair and strong collective agreement.” 

Rubin has been a regional vice-president in the NCR for the Union of Health and Environment Workers (UHEW) since 2017. She supports local officers and participates in UHEW and PSAC committees.  As well as Union-Management Consultation and Health & Safety committees at both the local, regional and national levels. 

Nicole Reemeyer
Nicole Reemeyer

Nicole works for the RCMP as a regional manager in departmental security. Her unit is responsible for the physical security posture of all RCMP facilities, or spaces within multi-tenanted facilities, in which RCMP assets are contained. Nicole has been a federal public service worker since 2009 when she began her career with the Department of National Defence. In 2014, she joined the RCMP and has held various roles including communication security custodian and supervisor of a 24/7 critical services unit. 

“I’ve witnessed firsthand how fair wages, job security, and positive working conditions impact employee well-being and job satisfaction. I bring a strong work ethic, collaborative mindset, and deep commitment to representing every member with integrity.” 

Nicole has over 11 years of union activism experience, serving as shop steward, secretary, treasurer, strike captain, and most recently as alternate to the Union of Safety and Justice Employees (USJE) regional Vice-President for British Columbia and Yukon (RCMP-Justice-PPSC). 

Aaron Swerdlyk
Aaron Swerdlyk

Aaron is a grain inspection specialist with the Canadian Grain Commission in Thunder Bay. With nearly 18 years of service, his work includes approving grain sampling systems, delivering training, and certifying bulk grain shipments. His efforts ensure grain quality and help maintain Canada’s international reputation. 

“I joined the bargaining team again because we have unfinished business. While we made gains last round — especially during the strike — many TC members felt left behind. I’m ready to fight for a fair deal and hope the employer comes to the table ready to negotiate in good faith. If not, we’ll be prepared.” 

Aaron is the 4th national executive vice-president of the Agriculture Union, with bargaining and health and safety portfolios. He previously served 10 years as a local president and sits on numerous union-management committees and the Canadian Grain Commission’s National Occupational Safety and Health Committee. 

Krysty Thomas
Krysty Thomas

Krysty has been a molecular microbiology research technician at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Lethbridge Research and Development Centre since 2005. She supports research on livestock production and antimicrobial resistance through laboratory and field-based experiments, contributing to innovations in animal health and agricultural sustainability. 

"As we enter this round of bargaining, it’s crucial that we not only defend what we've earned in previous rounds but also push for gains that improve the lives of our members. Every member deserves to be heard, and I will work to ensure that all voices are respected and valued." 

Krysty began her union activism as a young worker. She is the alternate regional executive vice-president for the PSAC Prairie Region, chairs PSAC’s Lethbridge Area Council, and serves on PSAC’s Lethbridge Regional Women’s Committee. She’s also deeply engaged in the broader labour movement, including roles with the Alberta Federation of Labour and the Lethbridge and District Labour Council. 

Jimmy Mailhot
Jimmy Mailhot

Jimmy has worked as a Project Officer with the Canadian Coast Guard since 2016. He serves the Canadian public as a hovercraft maintenance manager, ensuring that the mechanical team always has the parts, service and technical support it needs to keep these vehicles operationally ready for its icebreaking, flood prevention and search and rescue missions. Jimmy was also a member of the bargaining team in the last round of negotiations. 

“I am eager to continue fighting for better working conditions for members. I hope to build on our previous Treasury Board bargaining experience to secure the gains our members deserve.”  

In his union work, he has served as his local’s secretary-treasurer since 2016 and as president of his Area Council since 2019. He’s a member of the PSAC-Quebec Education and Political Action Committees and sits on the Quebec Council. 

Liliana Manolache (From GSU local 00027 in Toronto)
Liliana Manolache

Lili is a Project Technician who does project costing within a large Project Management group at Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC). She has an architecture and engineering background with various design certificates. She started with PSPC, formerly Public Works and Government Services Canada, in 1999 as a client service rep in a pilot project for the crown properties and leases. She then spent a few years as an architectural technologist before her current position. She has held various executive positions within her local, first as treasurer, then chief shop steward, then president. She has served on various Government Services Union committees, including Education, Human Rights and Equity.

“"After over 2 decades of activism, I'm proud and honoured to be part of this team, even if I got to join late in the process. I am a firm believer in the power and purpose of our union, aware that this is not a fair and equal fight, and determined to do everything in my power to make us succeed. Together we can make a difference — but we have to be united." ”  

Jérôme Bélanger (From UCTE local 10115 in Québec City) 
Jérôme Bélanger

For Jérôme, public service is not just a career; it is a vocation spanning nearly 25 years. From his early days at Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Maurice Lamontagne Institute to his current role within Transport Canada’s Navigation Protection Program, he has always placed the collective interest and the safety of his fellow citizens at the heart of his priorities.

As President of Local 10115 of the Union of Canadian Transportation Employees (UCTE), he has been working for his colleagues since 2018.

“The importance of a collective agreement cannot be underestimated,” he insists. Honoured by the trust his peers place in him, he acts as their voice at the bargaining table to ensure they receive the respect and recognition they deserve. As co-chair of the health and safety committee and an active member of multiple joint labour-management committees, Jérôme takes action.

If there is one thing he has learned throughout his career, it is that everything comes down to communication. “If our paths cross, let me know your needs. I am sure we will have an excellent discussion!”

Alternates: 

  • Dean Parsons

  • Jason MacLaurin

  • Patrick Bourassa

The bargaining team is supported by the following PSAC staff: 

  • Frances Baroutoglou, negotiator

  • Silja Freitag, research officer

Employeurs: 

21 Mai 2025