Big Wins for CUPE Local 4731 Members!

CUPE Local 4731 is excited to share some major milestones for our members in the social services sector.

TPFA Members:
TPFA members have successfully ratified their second round of bargaining, achieving significant gains both monetary and non-monetary. This agreement represents a strong step forward for working conditions, wages, and overall workplace fairness. Congratulations to the members and the bargaining committee for their dedication over the past year!

True North Members:
True North members have ratified their very first Collective Agreement—an incredible milestone for the workplace and a moment to celebrate the commitment of everyone involved.

CCECA Members:
The momentum continues as CCECA members begin bargaining for their first-ever Collective Agreement after joining CUPE Local 4731 this summer.

This is just the beginning for CUPE Local 4731. We remain committed to representing more essential social services workers who do their work from the goodness of their hearts, and who deserve the right to work in a fair, safe, healthy, and equitable sector.

CUPE Local 4731 looks forward to building a stronger, fairer sector for all members, and we are proud of the progress we’ve made together so far.

In Solidarity,

CUPE Local 4731: How Members Can Support Teachers and Public Schools

CUPE Local 4731 received this letter (CDLC Letter to Affiliates) from the Calgary & District Labour Council (CDLC) about the recent ending of the teachers’ strike in Alberta. The strike was over smaller class sizes, more educational assistants, and support for students with complex needs.

While the Government of Alberta ended the strike using the Notwithstanding Clause, there are ways our members can help:

1. Support Public Schools Funding Campaign

2. Support Recall Campaigns (Optional for Members)

Other recall efforts are beginning in several Calgary ridings. Updates will be shared as more information becomes available.

Questions? Contact CDLC President Alex Shevalier at president@thecdlc.ca or 403-819-4159.

In Solidarity,
CUPE Local 4731

Join the CUPE Alberta Social Services Sector Committee!

CUPE Alberta is proud to announce the formation of the Social Services Sector Committee, following an overwhelming vote in favor of the resolution at this year’s Divisional Convention. This dedicated committee will tackle the challenges facing social services workers across Alberta and provide a strong, collective voice for the sector.

Committee Focus Areas:

  • Health and safety
  • Fair funding and job security
  • Improved working conditions
  • Support for organizing efforts and campaigns

Social services workers face increasing pressures, including unstable funding, layoffs, program disruptions, and high workloads. Many are underpaid, overworked, and at risk of burnout. This committee will advocate for safe workplaces, fair wages, stable funding, and support initiatives that strengthen our sector.

Get Involved:

If you are passionate about these issues and want to help shape campaigns, advocacy efforts, and strategies to protect and support social services workers, including improvements at the bargaining table such as fair wages, benefits, and working conditions; we encourage you to apply.

How to Apply / Questions:

This is your chance to collaborate with CUPE members from across Alberta and make a real difference for social services workers and the communities they serve.

In Solidarity,

CUPE Local 4731

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.