A Manitoba teachers’ union is facing accusations that it improperly removed an elected executive member after she announced plans to run for the Progressive Conservative Party in the next provincial election.
Serena Klos, who has been nominated as the Manitoba PCs’ candidate in the McPhillips constituency, says the Manitoba Teachers’ Society (MTS) unfairly pushed her out of her union leadership positions after learning about her political candidacy.
Klos was removed as president of the Sunrise Teachers’ Association in a secret ballot in which two-thirds of the association’s executive members voted for her removal. She was also placed on a leave of absence from the MTS provincial executive until after the next provincial election, scheduled for fall 2027.
The teachers’ society says its actions were based on concerns about a conflict of interest involving elected union officials who seek public office. MTS President Lillian Klausen said a review of the organization’s governance rules identified a gap concerning union leaders who become political candidates.
According to the MTS, a new policy requiring elected union leaders to take a leave when seeking public office was adopted after the issue involving Klos emerged. Klos, however, argues that the policy was still being presented as a draft when she was initially removed from her roles.
Klos also questions why she faced restrictions while previous NDP candidates who held positions within teachers’ associations were allowed to complete their terms. She cited former MLAs Mike Moyes and Mike Moroz, who were NDP candidates before becoming elected members of the Manitoba legislature.
The dispute has also created tension within the Sunrise Teachers’ Association. Klos said several meetings and conversations in recent months left her with the impression that MTS officials wanted her removed because of her decision to seek elected office as a Progressive Conservative candidate.
MTS maintains that the policy is intended to protect the organization’s political independence and prevent conflicts involving sensitive information available to elected union leaders. The society represents more than 16,600 public school educators across Manitoba.
Klos has filed an appeal challenging her removal from the Sunrise Teachers’ Association. The outcome could have broader implications for how teacher unions in Manitoba handle members who seek elected political office.
The controversy comes as Manitoba prepares for its next provincial election and highlights an ongoing debate over the boundaries between union leadership, political activity and conflicts of interest.
Swifteradio.com
