COPE Local 343 consists of 1700+ members and 97 collective agreements across Canada. Local 343 is an autonomous Local and the largest COPE Local in Ontario.
Kelly Belbin is the President of COPE Local 343, after participating on the Executive Board for three terms, and as a COPE Local 343 member for 10 years.
During Kelly’s time as a COPE Member before being elected to the COPE Local 343 Executive board she was a Trustee. Since being elected to the Executive Board as Member at Large, she also held the role of Chair of the Political Action Committee active in the fairness works campaign.
Prior to Kelly’s time as a COPE member she was on the executive board of CUPE Local 2191 serving as their treasurer for 2.5 terms, membership chair for 1.5 terms, and participated in the health and safety committee, labor management committee, and bargaining support committee.
While a CUPE member, she also co-chaired the CUPE Ontario Young Workers Committee, and participated in the Human rights committee.
Kelly also has strong roots in Scarborough, being active in her community with her Local NDP Riding association, and as a member of the board of directors at Progress Childcare Centre for 6 years.
Kelly is a proud Mom to Aidan, who also enjoys campaigning during elections, participating in rallies, and attending union functions!
Tanya La Rush has been a member of our local for over 24 years and brings with her a wealth of knowledge and skills. She has held such roles as Steward, Chief Steward and Bargaining Committee member. She currently holds roles such as Certified Health and Safety member, Pay Equity committee member (Job Evaluation), By-law committee member and others. She is currently the Chair of the COPE Local 343 Education Committee and is involved in political action and various community and union-friendly campaigns. She is a member of the ONDP and is a staunch advocate for equity and inclusiveness. She self-identifies with her Indigenous roots as Métis and is actively researching her family’s history. She is a proud mother of her two daughters who are both post-secondary school students and enjoys many activities such as movies, concerts and the outdoors.
Donna has been a COPE Local 343 Member for the past 30 years. She is currently on the Executive Board as the Secretary Treasurer and in the past I have been one of the Equity Board members . Donna’s term is up in April 2025 and she says she has enjoyed taking and being part of this union. This current Board has been absolutely amazing and I have enjoyed every minute working together!
An 18-year member of Local 343, employed by the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local 128.
Positions Held
-Union Steward
-Member At Large
-Trustee
-Current Recording Secretary
Local 343 Committees
-Organizing
-Communications
-Labour Day
