CUPE 4207

Today, on Multiculturalism Day in Canada, CUPE 4207 proudly recognizes and celebrates
the diverse cultural communities that enrich our campuses and strengthen our union.
Within the university sector, our members reflect a wide range of languages, traditions, and
lived experiences. From administrative and academic support staff to maintenance, food
services, and technical workers, it is this diversity that helps make our universities vibrant,
inclusive places to work, learn, and grow.
Multiculturalism is not just part of our national identity—it is a foundational value in our
union. We believe that equity, inclusion, and respect for cultural diversity are essential to the
fight for fair workplaces and just communities. Today, we honour the contributions of
Indigenous Peoples, newcomers, racialized workers, and all those who bring different
perspectives to our collective work and strengthen our solidarity.
As we celebrate Multiculturalism Day, let us also recommit ourselves to challenging racism,
discrimination, and systemic barriers wherever they exist—on our campuses, in our
communities, and within our own union structures.
Together, through unity in diversity, we continue to build a stronger, more equitable future for
all.

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

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

CUPE Ontario is looking to fill one vacancy in the Pink Triangle Committee. Those interested can put their name forward by June 30, 2025.  To learn more about the Pink Triangle committee click here. You can fill out the nomination form with the link included. Any further questions please email CUPE ON here.

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!

Brock CUPE member awarded medal at 2025 graduation. Congratulation from CUPE 4207 to all Brock grads on your hard work. Read the full Brock Press story here.

Your union is committed to creating safer, fairer workplaces for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, two-spirit, intersex, and queer-identified union members!

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.

CUPE 4207 recognizes and celebrates National Nursing Week and thanks all those nurses who dedicate themselves to their patients and to health care. The system would never work without you. We also want to single out Unit 4: Clinical Nursing Instructors for their hard work especially in training the next generation of nurses. See the full CUPE article here

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