By STAFF:
Postal workers from Etobicoke and beyond are mourning the loss of a popular Toronto union leader who fought for better working conditions.
Megan Whitfield was a fierce advocate for social rights and justice who passed away suddenly on May 24 with her family at her side. She was 51.
Megan was a long-time member and board member for the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists’ Canadian Chapter (CBTU), and Equity Vice President of the Ontario Federation of Labour and was elected the 1st Black President of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), the Toronto Local.
Megan was also a member of the CBTU Region 1 Women’s Committee and CBTU International Constitution Committee.
“She was admired by so many for her tenacious and fearless advocacy of worker’s rights and social justice,” the CBTU wrote. “She will be missed by the thousands of workers that she has represented over the years.”
Megan is survived by partner Keith Dunnon, mother Joan Gooden, and her sons Cody, Chevon and Cory Barnett, her grandchildren, Sophia and Maya Barnett, and many other family members and long-time friends.
“Our deepest condolences go out to her family, friends and trade union family across Canada,” the union mourned. “We miss you sister.”
Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Howarth says she is deeply saddened by Megan’s passing.
“She was a fierce advocate for worker rights and social justice. Rest in power,” Horwath said.
Her long-time friend, fellow CBTU member Mark Brown, says Megan had many friends and acquaintances in the union movement.
“She will be missed by so many people who she has helped over the years,’ Brown recalls.
Megan told CP24 last March during an International Women’s Day march that she credits other female trailblazers for helping her to achieve her position.
“Never underestimate the power of a woman,” she said then. “As the world is on fire we will burn, but we will rise and we will accomplish and achieve.”
Funeral details are unknown at this time.