Chris Shelton (unionist)
Chris Shelton is a Canadian trade unionist who served as the National President of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Canada from 2015 to 2023.
Shelton's career in the labour movement began in the telecommunications industry, working for Bell Canada. He became involved in the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW), which later merged with the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP) to form Unifor. Shelton served in various leadership roles within these unions, advocating for workers' rights and improved working conditions.
As President of CWA Canada, Shelton oversaw the representation of thousands of workers in various sectors, including media, communications, and education. He was a strong advocate for independent journalism and fought against media consolidation and the erosion of local news. He also championed issues related to digital rights and privacy.
Shelton's tenure as President was marked by efforts to strengthen the union's organizing capacity and increase member engagement. He also played a prominent role in broader social and political movements, advocating for progressive policies and social justice. He retired from the position in 2023.