From Ontario to Saskatchewan, Maria Jones’ journey has been shaped by a lifelong connection to the labour movement and a deep commitment to helping others. After spending her teen years in Toronto, Maria made her way to Saskatchewan 20 years ago and has been making an impact ever since.

A graduate of the Toronto School of Business, Maria studied Executive Secretarial and Micro Computer Business Applications, building a strong foundation for a career rooted in organization, leadership, and advocacy. 

Union values run in the family. Raised by a dedicated union activist who retired as an OPSEU member, Maria grew up understanding the power of solidarity, fairness, and collective action, and was also a member of OPSEU herself prior to moving to Saskatchewan.

Over the past 16 years, she has taken on a variety of roles with SGEU, including Steward, Chief Steward, Local Chair, Bargaining Representative, Provincial Council member, and co-chair of multiple committees, such as the PS/GE Appeals Committee and the LTD Supervisory Committee. Along the way, she has completed extensive union education, including SGEU’s learning development courses, as well as Mental Health First Aid, governance training, and decision-making programs.

Now, as your NUPGE Vice-President, Maria brings that experience to the national stage.

What does the NUPGE Vice-President do?

As Vice-President, Maria sits on the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) Executive Board, helping guide the organization’s direction and priorities.

NUPGE is dedicated to promoting and protecting the economic well-being, general welfare, and rights of its members, both as workers and as citizens. A key part of this work includes advancing free collective bargaining, strengthening a unified voice for public sector workers across Canada, and providing support to members on social, economic, and legislative issues.

The organization also plays an important role in educating members about the labour movement, advocating nationally with the federal government, and working in coalition with like-minded organizations. NUPGE extends its reach internationally as well, ensuring workers’ voices are represented on a global stage.

In her role, Maria contributes to these efforts by helping shape policy, supporting advocacy initiatives, and ensuring the voices of SGEU members are heard at the national level.

Looking ahead

Stepping into this role brings together years of experience, training, and mentorship. Maria is committed to continued learning while using her skills to support members, strengthen communities, and advocate for workers across Saskatchewan and Canada.

Outside of her union work, Maria enjoys volunteering, spending time with her retired mother and dogs, and going for runs with her puppies.

She encourages all members to get involved with SGEU, emphasizing that when people come together around shared values like fairness, safety, equality, and work-life balance, they can create meaningful change not only in the workplaces, but in the community as well.