Statement from Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU

TORONTO, Nov. 5, 2015 /CNW/ - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, released the following statement this morning, November 5, 2015:

This is to confirm that Mr. Don Ford was a long-term employee in the Communications Division with OPSEU. We first learned of allegations of inappropriate conduct by Mr. Ford in late spring of this year. At that time, Mr. Ford was immediately removed from the workplace and suspended. His employment with OPSEU has since been terminated following an internal investigation.

Very recently, we learned that the Toronto Police Service has initiated charges against him.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union does not tolerate any kind of sexual harassment or violence in the workplace. OPSEU has cooperated fully with the authorities, and will continue to do so.

All of our employees have and will continue to be offered the appropriate supports as needed or requested.

Given that this matter is the subject of a police investigation, and is appropriately before the courts, we will be making no further comment.

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Bob Eaton, Administrator of Communications [phone]