Help Create CUPE 1606’s New Logo!

 

It’s time, CUPE 1606!

We’re creating a new logo, and we want YOU to help shape it.

Send us your design, sketch, symbol, phrase, or idea. You don’t have to be a designer; you just have to have a voice in what represents our local.

Member ideas will help shape what comes next, and the winning design will be chosen through member voting.

Submit to: smccupe1606@gmail.com
Deadline: Friday, September 25th

Let’s create something that feels like us.

CUPE 1606 – Stronger Together

Leaving a Legacy: Spotlight on Retiring Member Anita Sawyer

Spotlight on Retiring Member:

Anita Sawyer for 38 Years of Service

What We’ll Remember:

Anita has been a wealth of knowledge, with a lot of wit thrown in! A colleague and friend, she grace over and over to all, young and old.
Deb Rhodes

I always enjoyed our morning coffee chats, especially our conversations about the challenges women face as they age. Thank you for your kindness in bringing me the forget-me-not seeds when Neil passed away. It meant so much to me and is something I will always remember.
Congratulations on your retirement! I wish you all the very best as you begin this new chapter. Enjoy every day, make wonderful memories, and cherish every moment.
Deana Warden

When I first started my EA career, Anita was a colleague and acquaintance. Over the years we have become friends and I am going to miss seeing her in the hallways.
I can remember many times when Anita helped me. She would always have such good ideas. She lead by example, and watching her handle a situation, she was always calm and patient.
There will be a void with Anita retiring. I will miss our chats, and her witty humour. Enjoy your retirement and do all the things that make you happy!
Catherine Komadina

Parting Thoughts from Anita:

After 38 Years in education – all of them at Wainwright Elementary School as a Educational Assistant – the time has come for me to close this chapter and begin a new one in retirement.

Over nearly four decades, I have had the privilege of working with incredible students, families, and colleagues. No matter the role or assignment, I always tried to approach my work with enthusiasm and commitment to the advocating for the students entrusted to my care.

One thing people outside of education may never fully understand is how much heart this work requires. Supporting students means helping them navigate emotions, build confidence, develop resilience, and experience success – often while adapting and responding to their needs in real time. It isn’t always easy work, but it has always been meaningful work.

To my colleagues, thank you. Thank you for the laughter in the staff room, the support during difficult days, the teamwork, friendship, and countless moments that made even the most challenging years worthwhile. Education has changed dramatically over the years, but the dedication of the people who work in our schools has never wavered.

I am also grateful for the support and advocacy of CUPE throughout my career. Our union has been a strong voice for education support staff, championing fair working conditions, professional respect, and recognition of the essential roll support staff play in helping students succeed. The strength of public education depends on all those who contribute to it, and I am proud to have been a part of a union that continues to stand up for its members.

As I retire I leave feeling grateful: Grateful for a career that mattered, grateful to the students who taught me as much as I taught them, and grateful for the friendships and connections that will continue long after my last day of work.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey. it has truly been an honour.

 

From all of us, thank you for your years of dedication, compassion, and service. Enjoy your retirement — you’ve earned it.

Leaving a Legacy: Spotlight on Retiring Member Merna Boychuk

 

Spotlight on Retiring Member:

Merna Boychuk for 14 1/2 Years of Service

 

What We’ll Remember: 

For the past five years, I have had the privilege of working closely with Merna while she served as the administrative assistant in our office. Merna is truly one of the biggest-hearted people I know — always ready with support, encouragement, a kind word, or a much-needed heart-to-heart.
I will always love the little sparkle in Merna’s eye when she is feeling mischievous. Her fun-loving nature has brought lightness to so many moments, especially when we needed it most. She is also one of the hardest-working people I have ever met — the only person I know who could put on a Band-Aid, answer the phone, unlock the safe, answer the door, count change, and handle 7,000 interruptions all at once. And I can guarantee that her change count was still correct every single time.
Merna has seen me through some really difficult moments, and I will forever be grateful for her support, her kindness, and the way she always made time to stop, listen, and care. She is a gift to everyone who knows her. I will miss her dearly, but I know she will fill her days with the family she loves so much.
We are so thankful for all the years that Merna’s family lent her to us, because she has truly been the glue that held us together.
Christine Martens

My first memory of Merna was when we went on our teacher trip to NewYork.  We were roomies.  There were so many adventures that we had in New York: Broadway, hop on hop off bus, Yankees game,Times Square and so many more.  All my other fond memories of Merna are surrounded in ones of helping and support – a call to the office was always started with ‘hello office’.  Or if it was chaos down there it was ‘Hello, Wainwright Elementary.’  That’s when you knew your request or querie better be a good one as there were pressing matters happening already.  No matter the situation, Merna was able to help me out with grace and a smile.   So thankful for her!
Jodi Valleau 

Right from the start, Merna was a perfect addition to WES.  She is very friendly by nature, and because of her many adventures, volunteering, and family life she is able to relate to everyone on some level.   We have had countless conversations about good memories of family events, cousins, and friends she’s made along the way.  She is quick to lend a helping hand wherever it is needed, no matter what it is.  Throughout her time at WES, she has continued to learn more, even in her final month she asks questions because she wants to help however she can. She inspires the people around her to be better and do better.  Merna and I have had many conversations over the years about life, family, traveling, and dreams for the future.  She has a zest for life and with retirement, she’ll get to realize some of those travels and dreams.  I wish her the best and am excited to hear about many more adventures to come!
One of my all time favourite things about her is how she is an amazing, supportive Grandma to Tavis and Ainsley.  She is so proud of them, and is not afraid to tell everyone.  She makes it to as many games or events as she can, and if she can’t she phones them to see how they did.  She has role-modeled for me the type of grandparent I want to be and I think we should all hope to have this kind of relationship with our grandchildren.
Paula Wells

Parting Thoughts from Merna: 

This is a bittersweet time in my life. If you have met me you know that I have loved working at Wainwright Elementary School for the last 14 1/2 years. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with the most amazing, heartfelt and hardworking people. Special hugs to you, Paula. I’ve  loved meeting all of the students and their families that have passed through the hallways of WES. I’ve been blessed to see my two grandchildren go through their Elementary school years and have fun with them doing it. I’m now going to keep these people as friends and move forward looking after myself, my family and hopefully do a little traveling, camping and fun. Thank you so much for all of the memories.

 

From all of us, thank you for your years of dedication, compassion, and service. Enjoy your retirement — you’ve earned it.

No photo description available.

Leaving a Legacy: Spotlight on Retiring Member Sharon Earl

 

Spotlight on Retiring Member:

Sharon Earl for 50 Years of Service

What We’ll Remember: 

I worked with Sharon for 17 years. She was a very dedicated worker, but also took time to have a little chat.
You could ask her a question about the past and she would always remember. Her memory about a past student or a community event was incredible.
Sharon also had a mischievous side. She could pull off some shenanigans and then play innocent.
The part I still miss about Sharon, is when she was done work, she would come and say goodnight.
                                  Brenda Cole
 
 Sharon was so well connected to the families in our community. If anyone on staff was wondering about a family connection, they went straight to Sharon and she would go through two or three generations of names, telling stories she remembered about them as she went.   We will miss her knowledge of local history and people!
                                  Nicole Cey
 
Sharon was a strong advocate of Kitscoty High School and the community, and the pillar of our school. She was always there to be a listening ear and to provide a voice of reason. It was a pleasure to work with Sharon, and her retirement is well deserved.
                                   Shannon Bakos
Sharon remembers students who have now become teachers at Kitscoty High School.
Parting Thoughts from Sharon: 
After decades of laughing, learning and working together with many people, I say goodbye to 50 years of service at Kitscoty Hilltop School (10 years) and Kitscoty High School (40 years). My goal was to match Nadia Melnyk from Innisfree School years of service, but she is the “Energizer Bunny that keeps going and going”. Way to go Nadia.
I worked with many dedicated teachers and support staff throughout my tenure and have thoroughly enjoyed the days I spent with the entire staff. Friendships were made with Admin Assistants in all the schools, BTPS Maintenance workers and the ladies working in the BTPS office. Thanks for all your help.
A highlight was seeing my children and grandchildren at school every day, until the grandchildren needed money to buy a treat at the servery or up town. What grammas do for their grandchildren. Five out of six grandchildren graduated from KHS. The sixth grandchild is still in school.
Another highlight is the number of two and three generations of families. There are lots of two generations families and I know of 6 three generations families (there could be a few more). To those who are thinking about retiring, you will know when the time is right. The next chapter is “The Longest Vacation Ever”.
It was a blast.

 

From all of us, thank you for your years of dedication, compassion, and service. Enjoy your retirement — you’ve earned it.

Songs For Tough Days – CUPE 1606 Playlist

IT’S HERE! The CUPE 1606 “Songs for Tough Days” Playlist

For the days that feel heavy.
For the drives home.
For when you just need a little extra push.

Turn it on, take a breath, keep moving.
Press play, keep going.

Listen here:

Highlights of the March 2026 National Executive Board meeting

The enclosed package contains important information for your members. A summary of the contents is provided for your guidance, along with suggested action.

Highlights of the March 2026 National Executive Board meeting

Distribute the information throughout your local to keep your members up-to-date on what’s happening within the union.

National President’s Report and National Secretary-Treasurer’s Report to the March 2026 National Executive Board meeting

Circulate the reports to members of the executive and make them available to interested members for their information.

CUPE Alberta Newsletter: Week in Review and Look Ahead – Issue 13

SENT ON BEHALF OF RAJ UPPAL, CUPE ALBERTA PRESIDENT AND LYNDSEY HENDERSON, CUPE POLITICAL ACTION COORDINATOR:

 

Hello Everyone,

We’re pleased to say it’s been a slightly quieter week on the Legislation front.  The Legislature was on break for a constituency week, so no new legislation has been tabled. The session will resume on Monday April 13th.  We continue to see strong responses from unions and sectoral organizations condemning many of the bills tabled last week, and it’s essential we continue to push back against the massive overreach and interference we’re seeing into school boards, the control and oversight of municipalities and municipal elected officials, libraries, and more.

Another reminder that committee applications are due by the end of day today, April 10th, for 10 standing committees – you can find details about the committees here (please note: two new committees this year have been struck – the young workers committee and the disability committee).  Any interested members should contact their local president and complete the application form available here. Please ensure these are completed and submitted before the end of day on April 10th to the contact listed at the bottom of the form.

We have launched the next wave of our Don’t Touch CPP campaign, and you can find the newly released video at DontTouchCPP.ca.  Please share the campaign with your members and ask them to sign on to send a message to Premier Smith and their local MLA to keep their hands off our pensions!

We want to thank those of you who had members participating in this week’s Member Mobilization and Campaign Training in Calgary.  We can proudly say that members were educated on pressing issues around the referendum, healthcare privatization, CPP, engaging in member to member and electoral campaigns and knocked on just shy of 1200 doors in battleground Calgary! This was our first joint school with the United Steelworkers and Unifor, and we will work hard to plan and schedule more training opportunities for members going forward.

CUPE Campaigns, Calls to Action and Events:

  • CUPE Alberta has launched a census survey to learn more about the demographics and experiences of its members, so that we can better serve our membership and help locals thrive.  Your responses will help us identify areas of strength within our membership and areas for improvement.  Please circulate this to all members interested in completing the survey.
  • CUPE Save our Schools!

Week in Review

In Solidarity,

RAJ and LYNDSEY

CUPE Alberta Newsletter – Week in Review and Look Ahead – Issue 10

SENT ON BEHALF OF RAJ UPPAL, CUPE ALBERTA PRESIDENT AND LYNDSEY HENDERSON, CUPE POLITICAL ACTION COORDINATOR:

Hello Everyone,

We experienced technical difficulties on Friday and were unable to send the newsletter out, so please accept our sincerest apologies for the delay.

It was wonderful to see so many of you at convention.  It’s such an important time for us to come together, share our workplace experiences and challenges, and shape the priorities we’ll be fighting for in the next year.

The Legislature continues to meet, and we’re beginning to see Bills other than the necessary budget legislation.  Notably, the Government tabled Bill 18, the Safeguards for Last Resort Termination of Life Act, which will severely restrict access to those seeking medical assistance in dying (MAID).

We also saw multiple readings and debates on Private Members Bill 205, introduced by the NDP Shadow Minister for Community and Social Services, which seeks to bring in Accessibility Legislation to Alberta, one of only two provinces in Canada that do not have any.

In addition, coordinated rallies took place across Canada for the Canadian Health Coalition Day of Action against Two-Tier healthcare.  CUPE Divisions across Canada denounced Danielle Smith’s Bill 11 and the introduction of American style two tier private healthcare into our province.

CUPE Campaigns, Calls to Action and Events

Week in Review

CUPE Alberta Newsletter – A Week in Review and Look Ahead – Issue 8

SENT ON BEHALF OF RAJ UPPAL, CUPE ALBERTA PRESIDENT AND LYNDSEY HENDERSON, CUPE POLITICAL ACTION COORDINATOR:

Hello Everyone,

Thanks so much to everyone who participated in our healthcare privatization townhall this past Tuesday!  We had a great presentation by Rebecca Graff from the Parkland Institute and Chris Gallway from Friends of Medicare.  I have attached the slides from Rebecca, with her permission, so we can continue to share their excellent information about Bill 11 and the existential threat it poses to our public health system.

We saw a flurry of reactions to last Thursday’s budget with many groups frustrated about the lack of funding for critical infrastructure, education, and healthcare – many of which we have linked and highlighted below.

CUPE Campaigns, Calls to Action and Events

Week in Review

Alberta Regional Office

600 South, 10130 – 112 Street NW

Edmonton, AB T5K 2K4

P | 780-484-7644

E | jbrent@cupe.ca