Julie Kotsis

Julie Kotsis is Chairperson of Unifor’s Media Council, representing 10,000 media workers across the country who work in print, digital, broadcast and as freelancers.

She has been involved in the union for 30 years, holding a number of Local 240 executive positions, including two terms as 1st Vice-President, two terms as a trustee and 10 years as the Local’s WSIB rep.

She is also Unit Chairperson at the Windsor Star, where she works full-time as a reporter/photographer.

Kotsis has bargained four collective agreements at the Windsor Star, including two as lead bargainer of the Joint Council of Unions, which represented members of Unifor Local 240 and 517G and CAW Local 30553, before the Star’s printing plant was shuttered in 2023. She is also a certified Health and Safety Rep who served on the JHSC at the Star for more than 20 years.

Kotsis has been active on many Local 240 committees including the Women’s committee, Political Action and Education committees. She has been a National Discussion Leader since 2008, facilitating a wide variety of courses, including topics ranging from pay equity, collective bargaining, grievance handling, respectful workplaces, women in leadership, ergonomics and more. 

Community involvement is also important to her. Kotsis is a United Way Cabinet member for Windsor-Essex County and a regular volunteer for the Windsor Goodfellows.

Ensuring the rights of working people has always been her passion, as well as inclusivity, mentoring and a willingness to listen to all member voices.