CUPE Local 4207– Pride Month Statement | June 2025

June is Pride Month, a time to honour and celebrate the voices, history, and
contributions of 2SLGBTQI+ communities. CUPE Local 4207 in the Niagara Region
proudly stands in solidarity with all 2SLGBTQI+ workers, their families, and allies. As
public sector workers, we are united in our fight for justice, equity, and dignity in
every workplace and every community.
Pride began as a protest and remains a powerful reminder that while progress has
been made, the fight for inclusion and safety—especially for trans, non-binary, and
racialized queer people—must continue. In Niagara CUPE 4207 is committed to
fostering safer, inclusive spaces where everyone is free to be who they are without
fear or discrimination.

Get Engaged This Pride Month in Niagara:
 Join Local Pride Events:
o Support or participate in Niagara Pride Week (June 22–30) and other
local events like:
o Niagara Falls Pride Parade & Festival
o St. Catharines Pride in the Park
o Pride Flag Raising Ceremonies in Local Municipalities
(Check out https://www.prideniagara.com/ for event listings)

 Host or Attend an LGBTQ+ Awareness Session
o Work with your CUPE Equality Committee or staff rep to organize a
training or discussion on 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion in your workplace.

 Audit Workplace Practices for Inclusion
o Encourage reviews of internal policies to ensure they reflect the needs
of LGBTQ+ members—like access to gender-inclusive washrooms,
inclusive benefits, and anti-discrimination language.

 Fly the Flag
o Display Pride symbols in union offices, bulletin boards, and public
service spaces to signal support and solidarity.

 Support Local LGBTQ+ Organizations

o Consider volunteering with or donating to groups like Pride Niagara
https://www.prideniagara.com/ OUTniagara https://outniagara.org/ , or
Quest Community Health Centre https://questchc.ca/ , which provides
services to LGBTQ+ individuals in the region.

 Be an Advocate Year-Round
o Support municipal and provincial policies that promote human rights,
healthcare equity, and housing access for 2SLGBTQI+ people.
Pride is not just a celebration—it’s a call to action. Let’s continue to stand up, speak
out, and build a Niagara that reflects our union’s values: solidarity, respect, and
equality for all.


In solidarity,
Kay Waboso.
Equity Officer CUPE Local 4207
Brock University

Give CUPE 1750 WSIB a Fair Deal!

Doug Ford is failing injured workers by locking out WSIB CUPE 1750. They are now 4 weeks into a strike! That means injured workers are not being looked after, all because Ford does not want to offer those members fair wages and working conditions. Come out tomorrow to MPP Stevens headquarters to protest with our friends and send a letter here to get the government to make a deal!

June is National Indigenous History Month

Hello 4207 Members,

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, a meaningful time to honour and celebrate the rich heritage, resilience, and contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.

This month offers us all important opportunities to:

  • Learn about diverse Indigenous cultures and languages
  • Acknowledge the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism
  • Celebrate Indigenous excellence in all aspects of our lived experience, for example in areas such as arts, governance, science, and environmental stewardship
  •  Support Indigenous-led initiatives and voices

Whether through community events, storytelling, film, literature, music, or education, taking time to participate, reflect and engage helps foster a deeper understanding and creates space for deep reflection regarding reconciliation and calls to action. Here are some meaningful ways you can participate in and celebrate

National Indigenous History Month:

1. Learn from Indigenous Voices

  • Read books by Indigenous authors like Thomas King, Cherie Dimaline, Richard Wagamese, or Leanne Betasamosake Simpson.
  •  Watch films or documentaries such as: We Were Children (residential schools) Beans (Oka Crisis) The Grizzlies (Inuit youth resilience) Wind River (MMIWG)
  • Listen to podcasts like:  This Place (CBC),  Métis in Space  Unreserved (CBC Radio)

2. Acknowledge the Land

  • Learn about the traditional territory you live on using tools like Native Land Digital.
  •  Practice land acknowledgements genuinely, not just as a formality.

3. Support Indigenous Creators & Businesses

  • Shop from Indigenous-owned businesses, artists, and clothing designers.
  •  Follow and share Indigenous content creators on social media to help amplify their voices.

4. Attend Events & Ceremonies

  • Join local or virtual events for National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21, 2025).
  •  Participate in cultural workshops, powwows, art exhibitions, or storytelling circles.

5. Educate Yourself & Others

  • Take a free online course: “Indigenous Canada” from the University of Alberta (Coursera) “The Path” from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
  •  Host a learning session in your workplace or community.

6. Support Reconciliation & Justice

  • Learn about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.
  •  Support efforts around Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

7. Learn About Indigenous Communities and Indigenous Organizations in the Niagara Region.

  • Explore the programs and services offered by local Indigenous organizations:
  • Niagara Regional Native Centre (NRNC)
  •  Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre (FENFC)
  •  Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Niagara Chapter
  •  Native Women of Niagara (NCNW)
  •  Indigenous Youth Employment Training (NPAAMB)
  •  Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle (IDHC)
  •  De Dwa Da Dehs Nye’s Aboriginal Health Centre

In humble Solidarity.

Kay Waboso Equity Officer CUPE Local 4207 Brock University

WSIB fighting for their rights

CUPE Ontario Convention delegates showed up at the Ministry of Labour in full force to support the striking workers of CUPE 1750 (WSIB employees). CUPE 1750 also stike in St. Catharines with support from NDP Jennie Stevens. One member was working late last Thursday when the employer closed access to email and work tools and locked them out. We support these members having their issues addressed such as overwork and a much needed wage increase. See CUPE’s write up here.

Calling members at the Marilyn I Walker Campus

CUPE 4207 is looking for a Unit 1 member to serve on the Marilyn I. Walker Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) from May until the end of April.

Union training will be provided with respect to serving on a Joint Health & Safety Committee.

To serve on this committee, you must hold a current CUPE 4207 contract (TA, Course Coordinator, Marker-Grader or Instructor) at the Downtown Campus or expect to hold a contract at the Downtown Campus in September.

If you would like more information, send an email here

Special GMM

A Special General Membership Meeting is being held to discuss a Cost Share with CUPE National for a Unit 1 Mobilizing Campaign for the upcoming round of Bargaining. The current collective agreement expires on September 6. Gains at the Bargaining Table are made with a mobilized membership.

CUPE National supports Locals by offering Locals the opportunity to apply for 50% funded Cost Shares for eligible campaigns. We will be seeking a mid-range cost share. Register for the meeting using the QR code or go to the calendar section of the CUPE 4207 website.