CUPE 4207

Dear CUPE 4207 Members,
Today, on September 30, 2025, we observe National Day for Truth and
Reconciliation, a day to honour the Survivors of Canada’s residential school system, the
children who never returned home, and the families and communities who continue to
carry this legacy. This day also coincides with Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots initiative
that began with Phyllis Webstad’s story of having her orange shirt taken from her on
her first day at a residential school. It has since become a symbol of the profound loss
of culture, identity, and dignity experienced by generations of Indigenous Peoples.
This day exists because of Call to Action #80 from the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission (TRC), which urged the creation of a statutory holiday dedicated to
commemoration. But commemoration alone is not enough.
For CUPE 4207 members, this day is both a time of reflection and a call to
responsibility.
As your Equity Officer, I encourage us all to journey together in consideration of what
truth and reconciliation means, in the context of our work, our classrooms, and our
communities and other spaces of influence.
Reconciliation is not an abstract concept—it is about listening deeply to Indigenous
voices, acknowledging ongoing inequities, and taking concrete steps to ensure that
Indigenous perspectives and knowledges are respected and included and prioritized.
It is also about holding institutions, including our own, accountable for meaningful
change.

What We Can Do as Members

• Read the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) 94 Calls to Action and
  reflect on those connected to education, equity, and justice, or whatever is your
  own nuanced domain.
• Attend local events in Niagara marking Truth and Reconciliation Day. These
  gatherings are opportunities to learn directly from Indigenous community
  members and knowledge keepers.
• Engage in ongoing learning by exploring resources such as the National Centre
  for Truth and Reconciliation, CUPE’s reconciliation guides, and Brock University’s
  Indigenous initiatives.
• Support Indigenous-led work in our communities, including through
  partnerships with local Indigenous organizations in the Niagara region.
• Bring reconciliation into your role—whether by incorporating Indigenous
  authors in syllabi, ensuring equity in student services, or advocating for policies
  that reflect Indigenous rights and perspectives.

Resources for Our Region: For those wishing to go further, I recommend the following starting points:

• The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action: available on the
  National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website and also this link
• CUPE’s Reconciliation Guide and resources on bargaining for recognition of this day.
• The Niagara Region’s Indigenous Engagement initiatives and Creating Our Way Forward report, which highlight local pathways for reconciliation.
• Indigenous programming and support services offered through Brock
  University.

I invite all members to use this day not only to remember, but to recommit ourselves to
the work of reconciliation. As a local, we must continue to ask:
How can CUPE 4207 contribute to justice, healing, and equity?
Let us take this opportunity to stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities—on
September 30, 2025 and every day thereafter.
In solidarity,

Kay Waboso
Equity Officer
CUPE 4207

Dear Unit 1 Members,

It has come to our attention that many unit 1 members have not received their Allocation of Hours form.

According to our Collective Agreement, these should be provided to us by the end of the second week of classes. Our contracts started September 1st and it is now the third week of September. Many of us are are still waiting for the Allocation of Hours. Why?

Unfortunately, many faculty and departments are expecting us to grade student work without knowing how much time to spend on the task. They are expecting us to be available to students without providing a timeframe for student contact. They are expecting us to prepare for the course and seminars without telling us how many hours we have to do so. Some of our members aren’t even clear if they are required to attend lecture or to hold office hours. Or, those receiving them three weeks into the term are finding themselves ‘owing hours’ or ‘behind’ because they were supposed to be spending hours on tasks they were never told about.

Let’s be clear. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.

If you have a D1 or D2 contract and have been delegated tasks without an Allocation of Hours form, please:

• Keep track of the hours you are spending on these tasks so that they are included in your hours for the term.
• Reach out to your direct supervisor or Department Chair and ask when you will be receiving your AoH. It’s your right – this is not a favour we’re asking – it’s in our contract for them to provide us an AoH.
• Contact the union ASAP and let them know that you are working without an AoH.

We understand that many of our members don’t feel comfortable reaching out to the department about this – even though they are REQUIRED to provide you with an Allocation of Hours. Some of our graduate students have told us that they feel it’s risky to say something and they’re worried that they will be seen unfavourably in their department (and their graduate supervisor) for asking about it.

This is so unfortunate and devasting to hear that our members are worried about using their voice to protect their rights. What kind of work environment is that?

You always have support with CUPE 4207, your union! And, we will amplify your voice or be your voice in order to protect your workplace rights. If you require confidentiality because you are concerned about department backlash, contact us – we’ve got you covered. Always.

Please contact Brigitte Cecckin – Lead Steward or Phil Wachel – President (or any Executive Committee member) if you have not received your AoH.

In Solidarity!

Draw the Line is a rally “For people, for peace, for the planet. Join us!” This Saturday September 20th @ 12pm. Niagara Falls Convention Centre, 6815 Stanley Ave, Niagara Falls, Canada. More information on their website here. NEW INFO: We learned that a FREE bus will take members from St. Catharines to this event. Please reach out to Dan the Moo if you need a ride for more information.

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In Solidarity,
Bob Holder
President
OPSEU/SFEPO Local 243
Niagara College Support Staff

This important event is being held this Thursday after our GMM. Everyone is welcome to attend, 6:30pm start time. 7pm Community Speakers 8pm Candle Lit March. Market Square St. Catharines. 91 King St.

Come out this Sunday to the OPIRG Free Store. Sunday August 31st 12:30 to 5:30 @ 105 Queenston

Unit 4 Clinical Nurse Instructors met over lunch with CUPE 4207 and Outreach Officer Dan Barnowski August 19 & 20th to discuss upcoming bargaining. Unit 4 ratified their first ever collective agreement in 2024 and will be bargaining again at the end of this year.