Justice Givraj Fatality Inquiry Report – Supporting Safe Workplaces

On October 25, 2019, Deborah Onwu, a dedicated Youth and Family Counsellor at Woods Homes, tragically lost her life while working with a client. Deborah’s death highlighted the need for stronger occupational health and safety measures in the social services sector.

Justice Givraj has now released their findings and recommendations into the fatality inquiry submitted by CUPE: Read the full report here or see attached.

The inquiry made four key recommendations to help prevent similar tragedies:

  • Mandatory Information Sharing Between Agencies: Agencies transferring care of at-risk youth and young adults must share critical information regarding any history of violence or threats.
  • Active Disclosure to Employees: Employers must actively inform frontline workers about any known violent or threatening behaviour of clients before they begin working with them.
  • Guardianship for Vulnerable Minors: The Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee should automatically assume guardianship over minors transitioning into adulthood who are unable to manage their own affairs due to cognitive impairments.
  • Sector-Specific Occupational Health and Safety Standards: Development of comprehensive occupational health and safety standards tailored to the social services sector to ensure consistent and effective protection for workers.

These recommendations highlight the importance of policies that are actively enforced, regularly updated, and fully implemented.

Members have the right to know about the hazards in their workplaces and the protections available to them. If you have questions about safety in your workplace, or wish to raise concerns, you are encouraged to reach out to OH&S committee members in your workplace or the Local.

Today, CUPE held a press release attended by local news, highlighting these findings and advocating for stronger protections for all social service workers in Alberta. CUPE will also host a meeting for members to discuss the report and its implications. Details will be shared shortly.

Deborah Onwu’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of workplace safety, legislation, and standards that truly protect workers.

You are appreciated for all the work you do. Stay safe.

In Solidarity

Welcome CCECA Workers to CUPE Local 4731!

Dear Members,

We are thrilled to share that the workers at the Calgary Chinese Elderly Citizens’ Association (CCECA) have officially joined CUPE Local 4731!

CCECA reached out directly to our Local through our website to explore unionizing their workplace. Over the past few months, with support from CUPE National Organizers and our Local, the CCECA team successfully ran their organizing campaign. 89% of eligible voters voted in favor of joining CUPE Local 4731.

This success aligns with our Local’s ongoing goal to grow within the social services sector and continue building strong, fair, and safe workplaces. Please join us in welcoming the CCECA team to our Local!

In solidarity,
CUPE Local 4731

Rick Malcolm Education Scholarship – Applications Now Open

CUPE Alberta Division is accepting applications for the Rick Malcolm Education Scholarship, open to CUPE members and their immediate family members (spouse or child) pursuing post-secondary education.

Eligibility:

  • CUPE member in good standing OR
  • Spouse/child of a CUPE Alberta member
    (Previous recipients are not eligible)

To Apply:
Applicants must:

  1. Submit a short essay (max 1,000 words) on a union-related topic
  2. Include a letter of endorsement from their CUPE Local
  3. Provide proof of post-secondary registration (if selected)

Essay Topics may include:

  • Why unions?
  • What union membership means to me
  • Importance of youth involvement in today’s unions
  • CUPE’s contribution to Alberta
  • Or another union-relevant topic of your choice

Deadline: September 1, 2025
Submit to: secretary@cupeab.org

CUPE 4731 members needing a letter of endorsement should contact: President@cupe4731.com

Your Right to Refuse Unsafe Work

All workers have the legal right to refuse unsafe work—and that right is protected under Occupational Health and Safety legislation and your Collective Agreement.

If you believe the work you’re being asked to do could put your health or safety (or someone else’s) in danger, you have the right to stop and report it. Your employer must investigate the concern and address the hazard before asking you to resume the task.

This right applies to anyone, including those working:

  • Without proper training or protective equipment
  • In unsafe physical environments
  • Alone or without proper supports in place

If you are ever working alone, make sure you understand your workplace’s Working Alone Policy. The employer is required to have clear procedures for monitoring and checking in to ensure your safety during solo work. If these procedures don’t exist—or aren’t being followed—speak up.

Don’t wait until something goes wrong. If it feels unsafe, say something.

Your safety matters, and you are protected from reprisal when exercising your right to refuse unsafe work.

For detailed steps on how to exercise this right, visit:

If you ever need support or have questions, contact your CUPE 4731 steward, union representative.

CUPE Local 4731 – Internal Complaint Process

CUPE Local 4731 is committed to maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and safe environment for all members during union activities. While concerns about workplace conduct are handled through the employer’s HR or the grievance process, we also recognize that issues can arise within union spaces — such as meetings, events, or other union-related interactions.

To support a fair and consistent approach, we’ve established a basic internal process for members to bring forward concerns related to behavior that may violate our Equality Statement or Code of Conduct.

If a member feels safe and comfortable, they are encouraged to address the concern directly with the person involved. If that’s not possible, or if the issue remains unresolved, members can submit a confidential complaint using our internal complaint form. The matter will be reviewed by a neutral Executive member, and steps will be taken to address the issue informally and respectfully. In more serious cases, options like mediation or additional support may be considered. Where appropriate, matters may also be referred to CUPE National.

Confidentiality and fairness are key throughout the process, and all complaints will be documented and handled with care.

The ‘CUPE Local 4731 Internal Complaint Form’ can be found on this website under the Resources section and listed under Forms.

If you have any questions or need support navigating this process, please don’t hesitate to contact the Executive at info@CUPE4731.com.

In solidarity,
CUPE Local 4731

CUPE Local 4731 at the CUPE Alberta Convention

CUPE Local 4731 was proud to attend the recent CUPE Alberta Convention, where we had a fantastic time of learning, networking, and standing in solidarity with fellow workers. It was an invaluable experience to connect with other locals and engage in discussions about the issues impacting our communities and workplaces.

A highlight of the event other than our resolution being passed was joining the Education Workers Victory Rally. Delegates, including our Local, marched to the provincial government building in Calgary to celebrate the hard-fought victory of Education Workers. Together, we celebrated their well-deserved win in securing a deal that will bring them the respect, recognition, and compensation they deserve.

This event reminded us of the power of solidarity and the importance of continuing to stand united in the fight for workers’ rights. We look forward to building on the momentum from this convention and working together to create a stronger, more equitable future for all CUPE members.

CUPE Local 4731 Resolution Accepted at CUPE Alberta Convention

At the recent CUPE Alberta Convention, our President, Wael Elrafih, spoke on behalf of CUPE Local 4731 in support of an important resolution. In advance of the convention, our Local collaborated with Locals 417, 408, 3351, and 4797 to gather their support and secure their endorsement for this resolution. The resolution was then brought to the floor for voting, and we are proud to announce that it was accepted unanimously by all delegates in attendance.

General Resolution 2025-22
Submitted by: CUPE Local 4731, 417, 408, 3551, 4797

Resolution:

CUPE Alberta Division will create a divisional committee and campaign dedicated to addressing the issues facing the social services sector. The committee will focus on advocating for fair funding, job security, and improved working conditions for social services workers. The campaign will highlight the critical role of social services workers in supporting the most vulnerable populations and the challenges they face due to changing government and funder mandates.

Rationale:

  • The social services sector is seeing a rise in unionization and organizing efforts, underscoring the need for a unified voice and collective action.
  • Government and funding bodies have shifted their mandates, imposing new expectations on social service organizations that result in budget cuts, layoffs, and drastic changes to essential programs.
  • Social services workers care for the most vulnerable members of society, yet they are often paid so poorly that they must rely on the same food banks and shelters they help their clients navigate.
  • The lack of stable funding and fair wages in the sector leads to high turnover, burnout, and an inability to provide consistent, quality care to those who rely on social services.
  • A dedicated campaign and committee will provide resources, support, and advocacy to ensure social services workers receive the respect, fair compensation, and job security they deserve.

We are proud to have had our voices heard at the convention and will continue to advocate for the critical support our social services workers deserve.

Support Alberta Education Workers on Strike

Dear Members, Affiliates, and Friends,

Four CUPE education worker locals—2559, 2545, 3550, and 4625—are currently on strike, making this the largest strike in CUPE Alberta history. These workers are fighting for fair wages and better working conditions, not just for themselves but for education workers across the province and the services they provide.

 How You Can Help?

These locals urgently need financial support, picket line supplies, and food donations. Any contribution—big or small—will help sustain the strike and show these workers they are not alone in their fight.

 Financial Support for Strike & Hardship Relief:

 Send cheques to support members on strike:

➡ CUPE Local 4625:
Attn: Debbie Filewich, Secretary-Treasurer
53, 54418 Range Road 251, Sturgeon County, Alberta T8T 0C7

➡ CUPE Local 3550:
Attn: Mandy Lamoureux, President
14207 – 115 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta T5M 3B6
Donate online:  CUPE 3550 GoFundMe – Edmonton Public Schools Support Staff

➡ CUPE Local 2559 & 2545 Joint Hardship Fund (Fort McMurray Locals):
Attn: Elaine Moore, Secretary-Treasurer
207, 112 Riverstone Ridge, Fort McMurray, Alberta T9K 1S6
An EFT form can be provided upon request.

Donations can be in the form of cheques, gift cards, food, or picket supplies.

 Picket Line Supply Needs:

Each picket line has specific needs for targeted donations:

 Cold Weather Gear: Hand warmers, foot warmers, electric warming socks, thermal clothing
Support for CUPE 3550: Assistance with the cost of bussing members to picket lines
Picket Line Pantry: Food donations needed at all locations
Essential Supplies: Menstrual products, diapers, and pull-ups
Edmonton’s Picket Pantry: Seeking a donated refrigerator
CUPE Local 4625: In need of sandbags, megaphones, and portable speakers, propane

 Donation Drop-Off Locations:

 Edmonton Picket Pantry (Food Donations Only)
18121 107 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB
Open Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM
Contact: office@edlc.ca

 Other Edmonton Donations (Non-Food Items)
14207 115 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta T5M 3B6

 CUPE Local 4625 Solidarity Pantry
Donations can be dropped off at any of the four picket locations:
Morinville – 9808 104 St
Namao
Redwater
Bon Accord

 Fort McMurray Picket Pantry
207, 112 Riverstone Ridge, Fort McMurray, Alberta T9K 1S6
Contact: slustig@cupe.ca

 Need Help Getting Your Donation to a Picket Line?

If you have a donation and require assistance with delivery, please contact us at CUPEABStrike@gmail.com, and we will help coordinate.

Your support matters. These workers are standing up for the future of education in Alberta. Let’s show them that their community, their union, and their allies have their backs. Please visit a picket line if you’re available! If you are not in a position to donate, please send a letter of support.

Local 4731 End-of-Year Update

Hello Members,

This email may seem like a lot at first glance, but I encourage you to star it or mark it unread until you have a few minutes to sit down and go through it. It’s an important communication, and you, as a member, deserve to be informed and involved.

As we wrap up 2024, I want to share where each unit stands and highlight what’s coming up:

Wood’s Homes
After bargaining for parts of the year, the collective agreement is ratified. We’re looking forward to site meetings, steward elections, and more engagement with staff. This bargaining process showed us the need to strengthen the relationship between the Union and members at Wood’s. I recently visited the Fort McMurray site and met the amazing staff there, and I’ll be visiting Lethbridge with our National Rep, Colette Singh, in the early new year.

FearIsNotLove
We’ve been in bargaining most of the year, with strong language added to the agreement. We’re in mediation over a monetary impasse and plan to meet the employer again in late January to work toward a deal that works for everyone. Until then, the committee has been reaching out and engaging with members on the bargaining and mediation process.

Workers Resource Centre
The bargaining committee is set and ready to negotiate in the new year. Member involvement has been great so far.

Alpha House
After months of bargaining, members ratified the agreement with strong gains on the wage scale and language in the collective agreement. There was a ton of member engagement, which made all the difference.

Trinity Place Foundation
It’s been a busy year for this unit. Member engagement has grown significantly, and we’ve built a solid bargaining committee. We’ll exchange proposals with the employer on January 14, 2025, and look forward to the process.

True North
Bargaining their first collective agreement started slow, but we’ve made big progress over the last few months. Over 70% of articles are tentatively agreed on, with monetary items left to tackle. We’re optimistic about finalizing the agreement in the early new year.

This year has shown us where work needs to be done and how much potential we have as a Local of nearly 1,000 members. We’ve seen bargaining gains, over 60 grievances submitted and settled across the Local, and more members practicing their rights under the collective agreement by standing up for themselves and seeking union support. These are positive steps forward, but there’s much more work to do!

Next year is all about mobilization. With all agreements planning to expire in 2026, we need to stand united as a strong Local to secure the wages and working conditions we all deserve.

One of our goals for 2025 is increasing member involvement in education opportunities like week-long schools, conventions, and conferences. We’re focusing on balancing attendance at these events, ensuring members across the Local have more opportunities to participate and learn alongside executive members. The knowledge and experience gained at these events is critical to building our Local’s strength and ensuring everyone feels empowered and supported.

Member engagement remains our main priority. Significant steps have been taken in this area, including the creation of the Lead Steward position during our executive restructure. This position is solely focused on steward engagement and fostering stronger connections between stewards and members to increase overall participation. I’ve attached the Local 4731 organizational chart for your viewing.

Another major advancement this year was the complete overhaul of our bylaws, a significant step forward thanks to the work of our newly created Bylaw Committee. These changes have brought us up to date, aligning with thriving locals and positioning us to better serve our members. In addition to the Bylaw Committee, we’ve also formed a Grievance Committee, which has been instrumental in ensuring our grievance process is consistent and effective without spending members’ money on cases with no merit.

I’ve attached the 2025 schedule of meetings to this email. We hope to see more of you attending and participating in your Local to learn more about how it’s operated and where your Union dues go. It’s your Union, and you deserve to be a part of it.

If you’re interested in getting involved in the Union, attending meetings is a great first step. You can also reach out to your Unit Vice President, a Union Representative from your site, or myself directly. We’re always here to answer questions and help you find ways to participate.

We’re also excited about being more active and informative through different communication channels like our Facebook page (going public in the New Year!) and website (www.CUPE4731.com). These tools will allow us to engage with members in new ways, share important updates, offer draws and prizes, and foster stronger connections across the Local.

We’ve made great progress this year, launching our own domain and new communication tools, and developing our website to improve transparency and engagement. The executive restructure will bring a more balanced structure for all. Last month’s Social Committee event was fantastic, and it was great to meet so many new faces.

Thank you to the Executive for stepping up and adapting to changes this year. A big thank you to our National Rep, Colette Singh, for her guidance. And thank you to all of you for the work you do every day. It matters, and your Union has your back.

Looking forward to what’s ahead for CUPE Local 4731.

In Solidarity,

Wael Elrafih
President, Local 4731