Executive Bios

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Telco Exec 2026
Jeff Brohman – Chair
Jeff Brohman

Hailing from the Ottawa region, Jeff serves as the Chair of the Unifor National Telecommunications Industry Council, bringing over two decades of experience within the organization. Since 2000, he has contributed as a Bell Canada Cable Repair Technician, initially joining the Bell Craft Bargaining team as a young worker and subsequently returning to the negotiating table in 2016. Beyond his technical role, Jeff has actively engaged in union activities, serving on the local union taskforce team, spearheading various events, rallies, and initiatives to enhance membership involvement across the Ottawa and Seaway region. Additionally, he has played a pivotal role as the election team coordinator for multiple provincial and federal elections in the Ottawa area. Recently re-elected as the Vice Chair of the Ontario Communications Council, Jeff represents members across six bargaining units associated with Bell Canada, spanning 27 Locals throughout the province. Furthermore, his commitment extends beyond provincial borders, having served as a delegate to the Quebec Council of the OCC for numerous years. Jeff's unwavering dedication lies in advocating for the advancement of rights and working conditions, not only within the telecommunications sector but for all workers across Canada.

Mike Pilipow - Vice-Chair
MP 2026

Mike is the current President of Local 2S, bringing over two decades of union experience and a strong commitment to representing workers’ rights. Having served as Vice-President for four years, Mike’s leadership journey within Local 2S has been defined by his dedication to advocating for the needs and concerns of his fellow union members.

Before becoming president, Mike represented his brothers and sisters as Chief Steward at 140 1st Ave in Saskatoon for five years, where he played a key role in addressing workplace issues and ensuring fairness. With 11 years of experience in craft roles and five years in clerical positions, Mike has a well-rounded understanding of the diverse needs of workers across multiple sectors.

Throughout his 21-year career, Mike has cultivated strong relationships within the union movement, and his passion for workers' rights continues to drive his work. In addition to his role as President of Local 2S, he serves as the Vice-Chair of the Unifor Telecommunications Industry Council, where he advocates for telecommunications workers at a broader level.

Mike’s leadership is built on transparency, solidarity, and an unwavering dedication to improving the lives of those he represents.

Nicole Beard - Secretary
Nicole Beard

With over 30 years of experience at Bell Canada Nicole Beard has been a dedicated and influential voice in the telecommunications industry. As a Bell Canada Clerical employee, she has spent more than a decade in union leadership. Nicole has held several positions in her local union including serving as Chief Steward for Unifor Local 6006 since 2019. Nicole’s commitment to employee rights and advocacy is evident in her leadership roles including as mobilization prime during the Bell Canada Clerical bargaining in 2017 and 2021 campaigns.

Nicole is a passionate advocate for pay equity and diversity. As a member of the Bell Canada Pay Equity Committee, she works diligently to ensure fair compensation across the organization. She also chairs the Women’s committee and serves as the BIWOC committee for her local, championing initiatives that promote inclusivity and support underrepresented groups within the workforce. As a graduate of the PEL Leadership program, Nicole continues to grow in her leadership capabilities while making significant contributions to the betterment of her colleagues. She is also the current Secretary of the Telco Industry Council where she plays a key role in shaping policy and advancing the interests of workers in the telecommunications sector.

Michelle Vatafu – Treasurer
Michelle Vatafu

Michelle is a Bell Clerical Worker with 31 years of seniority. She is also proudly, the Secretary-Treasurer of Unifor Local 6008 representing Bell Clerical workers in the GTA and has been the Treasurer of Telco Industry Council since 2023. Numbers are her thing ;)

Jessica Harvey – Membre de la Base
Jessica Harvey

Une résidente de la ville de Québec, a débuté sa carrière chez Bell en 2007 au service à la clientèle. Elle occupe actuellement le poste de secrétaire archiviste à la section locale 6003, une section locale composée. Elle est vice-présidente de l’unité Bell Bureau et groupe connexe. Membre de la base du Conseil industriel des télécommunications depuis 2019, Jessica est aussi animatrice de discussions pour le service de l'éducation d'Unifor Québec, intervenante auprès des femmes et co-présidente du comité locale santé-sécurité.

Wendy Bradley Reynolds – Member at Large
Wendy Bradley Reynolds

Wendy has been the Secretary/Treasurer of Unifor Local 2289, representing Bell workers in Nova Scotia, since 2017. It has been my privilege to serve on the Bargaining Committee for our last round of bargaining, and welcome the challenge of bargaining with Bell again later this year. Serving you as a member-at-large on the Unifor Telecommunications Industry Council since 2022, I have worked hard to have our voices heard, both at the Industry and National level.

Lee Pearce – Member at Large
LP 2026
Lee Pearce has been a strong and active union leader for more than 18 years. His dedication to members in the telecommunications sector is unmatched. 
 
Throughout his career, Lee has served the membership in a variety of roles. As a Health and Safety representative and Co-Chair of the Joint Health and Safety Committee with Bell Aliant, and later Bell Canada, he consistently pushed for positive change and greater accountability in the workplace.
 
Lee has also served as Vice President and Chief Steward of Local 410, where he worked tirelessly to support members and ensure the collective agreement was respected and upheld. Since being elected President in 2018, he has continued that commitment by advocating for members and protecting their rights in the workplace.
 
Through his experience in collective bargaining and other areas of union representation, Lee understands firsthand the importance of keeping telecommunications work in Canada. He recognizes the challenges workers face as corporations seek to reduce labour costs and move work away from unionized employees.
 
As a representative at the Telecommunication Industry Council, Lee will work to ensure that workers' voices are heard and that the interests of telecommunications workers remain at the forefront of the union's efforts.
Tracy Seidel - Member at Large - Equity
TS 2026

Tracy has been employed with SaskTel for 30 years, and most of this time has been spent as a Union advocate. For over 20 years, Tracy has had many roles within Union leadership. She has served as Shop Steward, Group Rep, and Secretary for Unifor Local 2S. She also spent 6 years as the Unifor Saskatchewan Area Council President. She recently received her Unifor Discussion Leader training as well.

As a registered member of the Saskatchewan Metis Nation, Tracy’s main passion is for her Indigenous co-workers and Indigenous people in her community. For 6 years, Tracy was the Vice President of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour’s Aboriginal Committee and was also a facilitator for the SFL’s course Unionism on Turtle Island. She is a huge advocate for helping people understand the myths and misconceptions that they may have about Indigenous people. In her spare time, she has participated in walks for MMIWG and Truth and Reconciliation. She attended the Shame on Bell rally held in Ottawa in the spring to represent our local and the national.

Ryan Racine – Member at Large – Young Worker
RR 2026

Ryan is a Field Service Technician with Bell Technical Solutions and an active member of Local 34-O, where he serves as both a Union Steward and Health and Safety Representative.

 

Ryan’s commitment to solidarity was shaped by firsthand experience during a labour dispute in his hometown of Ottawa, where he stood with Unifor members for more than six months. Since then, he has continued to support workers through rallies, strikes, and mobilization initiatives, including multiple leafleting campaigns as a member organizer.

 

More recently, Ryan was elected to the Ontario Regional Council Workers with Disabilities Standing Committee. He works alongside regional and equity-seeking committees to empower workers and ensure their voices are represented within the labour movement. Ryan believes the lived experiences and perspectives of equity-seeking workers make our movement stronger and more inclusive.