Graeme Aitken began his career as a construction and maintenance electrician, following his father’s footsteps at IBEW Local 105, in Hamilton. It didn’t take him long to get involved in the labour relations aspects of the electrical industry, on the Joint Apprenticeship Council as an apprentice; then recording secretary of the Local. With his passion for labour relations growing as an Organizer for IBEW Locals 105, 303 and 804, Graeme went on to get his LLB from Osgoode Hall at York University and practiced with Cynthia D. Watson & Associates for a few years. Graeme then joined the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers and worked internationally with them for 15 years; appearing before arbitrators and labour boards across Canada as well as providing educational seminars and labour advice to representatives, business agents and members. Returning to Canada, he was with EPTCON (a Cambridge based high-voltage EPC contractor) overseeing labour relations and contracts for 5 years before heading up the ECAO as the new Executive Director. Graeme has served on various EPSCA committees, the Board of Directors and as President of the ECACO, member of the ECAO Line Committee and Provincial Line Committee, on the ECAO Board of Directors, as an alternate to the ETBA, and continues to chair the Canadian Spinal Research Organization.

With over thirty years of experience in the unionized construction industry across Canada, and a particular focus in the Province of Ontario, Graeme provides stewardship and professionalism as Executive Director. Graeme has a unique blend of legal education (LL B and LL M), apprenticeship training (309A journeyperson), and professional development (various programs in ADR, negotiations, and administration). Currently, in conjunction with his role at ECAO, Graeme is on the Board of Directors for the National Electrical Trade Council (NETCO), and the Joint Electrical Promotion Plan (JEPP).