Denise Cochrane Appointed as Assistant to the Local 2002 President of Unifor
June 29, 2021 at 3:03 PM
The Local 2002 Executive Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Denise Cochrane as Assistant to the Local 2002 President. A vacancy was declared for this position when Ashley Watkins – current Assistant to the Local 2002 President officially announced his retirement from both Air Canada and Unifor Local 2002.
Effective August 1st, 2021, Ashley Watkins will retire from his current position. Ashley began his airline career with Canadian Pacific Air in 1984, and throughout his airline career he has held numerous union leadership roles for the past 32 years, the most notable being the Assistant to the Local 2002 President since 2007. During his tenure, his steadfast leadership and dedication have been instrumental in growing our Local and bringing our members together to face challenges and celebrate successes. On behalf of the Executive Board and all the Local 2002 members across Canada, I would like to thank Ashley for his contributions, vision, and leadership.
Denise comes to us with more than 22 years of airline experience. She is currently the Jazz Aviation – Customer and Aircraft Services Bargaining Chairperson since 2015 representing approximately 900 members across 43 regional airports in Canada. Before this, she was elected in 2012 as District Chairperson for Jazz Aviation – Customer and Aircraft Services where she represented members in London, Windsor, and Hamilton, Ontario. Denise brings significant skills, unique perspective, and relevant front-line experience which will help serve our Units and members with purpose and impact. She has a proven track record at the bargaining table, in presenting arbitrations and is well versed in the Canada Labour Code.
With a firm commitment to the membership, she is keen on bringing her leadership competencies to the Local. I am confident that Denise is the ideal match for this position and will be a notable asset to the Local.
Please join me in wishing Ashley the very best in retirement and extending a heartfelt welcome to Denise and wishing her every success in her new leadership role with the Local.
In Solidarity,
Don Ross
Interim Unifor Local 2002 President