Local 1231 is proud to announce and welcome our new Central Chair Susanna Duncan. This leadership role is vital to the strength and unity of our local, and we are confident that your dedication, experience, and commitment to our members will serve us well. We look forward to working together as you advocate for our membership and help lead Local 1231 forward with integrity and purpose.
A Central Chair plays a critical role in the strength and effectiveness of a local union. As a key advocate for the membership, the Central Chair ensures that members’ voices are heard, protected, and represented fairly in all matters affecting their work and rights. This role requires a deep understanding of the collective agreement, strong leadership, and a commitment to standing up for members with integrity and consistency.
Equally important, the Central Chair serves as an essential liaison between the members, the union leadership, and the company. By fostering clear communication, addressing concerns, and working toward constructive solutions, the Central Chair helps maintain accountability, promote fairness, and support positive labor relations. Through advocacy, guidance, and collaboration, the Central Chair strengthens unity within the local and helps safeguard the interests of the membership as a whole.
About Susanna Duncan – Hailing originally from Guyana in South America and now proud to call Canada home, Susanna brings a unique blend of cultural experience, healthcare knowledge, and unwavering dedication to advocacy.
Susanna spent over a decade as a Dental Hygienist before transitioning into the healthcare system in Canada. After joining Spectrum Health and working in a clustered home setting as a Personal Support Worker (PSW), she quickly discovered the value and power of union representation, something she had no prior exposure to before arriving in Canada.
Faced with challenges in her workplace, Susanna reached out to her then Central Chair, Brother Benn. That pivotal conversation sparked her interest in the union movement. With encouragement from her colleague and sister-in-solidarity, Sister Lystra, she took the step to become a Union Steward, a journey she embraced with passion and purpose.
Her natural drive to advocate for fairness, worker rights, and equitable treatment propelled her through leadership ranks, serving as Chief Steward and now stepping proudly into the role of Central Chair.
Today, Susanna continues to champion the voices of healthcare workers, drawing on both personal experience and her professional growth. As she transitions from PSW to Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), she brings frontline insight, compassion, and strong ethical grounding to her union leadership.
Susanna believes deeply in empowerment through knowledge, solidarity, and integrity. Her commitment to standing up for what is right, no matter how challenging the road, guides her work and inspires those she leads.