Karen Brown

Karen Brown is a respected labour leader who served as President of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), representing more than 80,000 teachers and education professionals across the province. During her tenure, she played a central role in provincial collective bargaining, labour relations strategy, and advocacy for public education and worker protections.

Prior to becoming President, Brown held several senior leadership roles within ETFO, including chief negotiator and grievance officer. In these roles, she was responsible for managing complex labour negotiations, resolving disputes, and supporting the governance of a large, membership-based organization.

Brown has extensive experience working within the public sector and engaging with government stakeholders on education policy, labour standards, and workforce issues. Her leadership has been defined by a commitment to collaboration, fairness, and the long-term sustainability of public institutions.

At Union Global, Brown brings deep insight into public sector labour systems, large-scale organizational governance, and collective bargaining frameworks. Her experience strengthens Union Global’s understanding of how labour operates within essential public services and institutional environments.