Roly A. Bernardini is a third-generation labourer who joined LIUNA in 1982 and worked as a lineman in and around the city of Toronto. While working as a labourer Roly continued his education through the Board of Education and later with Metro Labour Education Centre. Roly was the first labour in LiUNA Local 506 to receive a certificate from George Brown College in the MLEC Labour Studies Program. In 1988 he received his Agents License from the Ministry of Financial Institutions and continued his studies in Health and Safety.
While continuing to work in construction, Roly began instructing courses through Metro Labour Education Centre in adult education and English as a second language. During his time with MLEC, Roly was elected as a Steward and represented other Instructors.
While working in the field for various employers’ signatory to Local 506 and under the leadership of Carmen Principato, Roly held the capacities of Labourer, Labour Foreman, Steward, and Part-Time Instructor. In 1993 he was the first labourer within Ontario to become a Certified Health and Safety Representative. In 1994, with the assistance of Labour Community Services, Roly acquired the skills of a Union Counselor and began assisting co-workers with social services. Shortly after, he received an award from the Toronto Central Ontario Building & Construction Trades Council and the Workers Health & Safety Centre in recognition of outstanding service and dedication toward improving the work environment and well-being of Ontario Workers.
In 1999 Roly was hired as an Organizer with Local 506 and since has held various capacities, such as, Dispatcher, Business Agent, Chief Negotiator and is currently Assistant to the Business Manager and President of this great Local. Roly also sits on the Board of Directors for LiUNA Local 506 Training Centre and is a Trustee of the Construction, Industrial and Pre-Paid Legal Benefit Funds. He is a Delegate to the Labourers International Union Ontario Provincial District Council and the Ontario Central Building Trades.
Roly is an advocate of health and safety and is committed to promoting and enhancing the well-being of our brothers and sisters, as he continues his call for stronger workerprotections.