The president of OPSEU, Smokey Thomas, had some reassuring words for those who came forward to testify in an investigator's report on misconduct at the college.
See: Investigator's report in Burton's hands. Who will see it?
Thomas says he's been through many of these and seen many similar reports, but names are never used.
"If the investigator is professional, the names will be redacted and the report would be findings. But that's why we want it to make sure they protect people. I want to see the recommendations, not the 'he said she said' so they should not see names and if they do and if there's any reprisals then that truly is the end of him."
Thomas says he understands that people are afraid.
"We had a staff member in the union that did that once and we had no idea who said what, just the general complaint and the evidence. It's private and confidential. If it's anything different at all we'll get right on it."
His advice to members is to relax and wait and see. Still, he has a warning to college management.
"But honest to God, if anything untoward happens we want to know right away. My number is on the website and anybody can call. If anything, people should feel a bit more hopeful now because finally, the report is there. I'd be shocked if the report doesn't expose things. Too many people said the truth."
