Stephen Portman

Stephen is a Labour Relations Officer serving members at the University of Victoria.

He was previously a Union Representative, organizer and lead negotiator for BC’s largest private sector union, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW, local 1518). During his time at UFCW, Stephen led negotiations for major foods bargaining where he represented over 16,000 members in contract renewal. In Stephen’s role, he represented members in mediation and arbitration and was instrumental in organizing and negotiations across a variety of sectors of the economy including retail, industrial agriculture and in the emerging cannabis sector.

Prior to his work in organized labour, Stephen worked as a Legal Advocate for the Together Against Poverty Society (TAPS) where he represented marginalized claimants before administrative law tribunals in the areas of income/disability assistance, tenancy and employment standards.  At TAPS, Stephen directed systemic legislative reform initiatives and organized BC’s first dedicated legal advocacy project to represent and advance the interests of non-unionized workers.

He received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at UVic and completed a Fellowship in Global Journalism at the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto. When there is time to spare, Stephen can be found reading a book, in a forest or on the water. He enjoys cooking, art and sharing life’s joys with family and community.