ABOUT ME
Hello, I'm Kyle Ross
WHERE I COME FROM
I’ve spent my entire working life standing up for people and building stronger communities. My first full-time job at 18 was at Premier Horticulture, where I joined UFCW832 and quickly became a Steward. That early experience taught me the power of collective action and set me on a path I’ve followed ever since.
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Today, as President of the MGEU, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together. Over the last few years, we’ve delivered record-setting contract wins, rebuilt our activist network, and created new tools to help members get informed and get involved. Most importantly, we’ve shown that when we stand together, we can win big—whether it’s protecting jobs, improving benefits, or securing historic wage increases.
Family keeps me grounded and reminds me why this work matters. My wife and I are raising our kids in Dugald, where we stay active in local events, volunteer at the community club, and spend plenty of time at the rink or ball diamond. The values we try to teach at home—fairness, teamwork, and speaking up for what’s right—are the same ones I bring to my role every day.
Outside of union work, I’m a team player in every sense—whether I’m coaching a youth hockey team, organizing a local softball league, or lending a hand at community events. At the heart of it, I believe in people—their stories, their struggles, and their successes. My goal has always been simple: to make sure every member of our union feels heard, valued, and empowered to make change. And whether it’s on the job, in the rink, or in the community, I bring the same commitment: to show up, work hard, and make a difference.
A THRIVING CAREER
My career in the labour movement began at 18, when I took my first full-time job at Premier Horticulture and became a proud member of UFCW832. I didn’t waste time getting involved—soon after joining, I was encouraged to run for Steward, giving me a front-row seat to the challenges and opportunities of representing my coworkers. Over the next eight years, I operated heavy equipment, resolved workplace issues, and worked closely with management to protect the rights of my fellow members.
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In 2008, I joined Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) as a developer working my way up to an Application Services Team Lead, where I manage a talented team of developers. My involvement with the MGEU grew quickly. In 2012, I became Chief Steward for my local, and later was elected Component Director. In this role, I also serve on the MGEU Board of Directors, where I’ve focused on good governance, transparency, and accountability, working to ensure our union operates effectively, makes decisions in members’ best interests, and maintains strong democratic processes.
In 2021, I was elected President of the MGEU. Since then, I’ve focused on delivering results that matter to members. Under my leadership, we’ve:
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Negotiated record-setting contract wins that include some of the strongest wage increases and benefit improvements in MGEU’s history.
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Achieved overwhelming strike mandates while avoiding lengthy disputes through strategic readiness and strong member engagement.
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Rebuilt our activist base by training hundreds of new leaders and revitalizing locals across the province.
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Modernized our communications and tools to make it easier for members to connect, get informed, and get involved.
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Expanded membership through targeted organizing campaigns and stronger community outreach.
Outside of union work, I’m proud to serve as President of the Dugald Community Club, where I oversee operations, finances, events, and the upkeep of our community spaces, including our outdoor rink. I’m also Treasurer and an Executive Member of SMOL, an 18-team mixed softball league, where I manage league finances and help guide organizational decisions. These roles keep me closely connected to the people in my community and allow me to bring grassroots leadership experience into my work at the MGEU.
My career has been defined by the belief that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about trust, action, and results. From the shop floor to the boardroom, from late-night bargaining sessions to community fundraisers, I’ve worked to make sure the people I represent know they have someone in their corner who will listen, fight, and follow through.
MISSION STATEMENT
Equality Meets Opportunity
I am committed to serving the MGEU members to the best of my abilities. I will work with the other elected officials to improve our great union by listening to members and promoting initiatives that make the MGEU the best union to be a member of. I’ll champion as the voice of our members to help drive positive growth through tough conversations and big decisions. It’s important to me that we all have pride in being a union member and that we help drive that excitement to others to create growth in our membership, union contracts and our ability to challenge employers.