Your Union

What we do

CUPE Local 4318 is part of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), Canada’s largest union with over 800,000 members across Canada. The Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 4318 is a skilled and vital part of the operations of the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity under the post secondary ministry of advanced education.

CUPE Local 4318 is the largest Union in the bow valley representing over 400 members employed across our campus. The members of CUPE Local 4318 provide all aspects of services to ensure the schools needs are met.

Some of the areas that our membership works in are:
• housekeeping and custodial and hospitality staff from front desk to night auditors
• program coordinators and program delivery
• Plumbers, Carpenters and various other certified tradespeople
• Recreation staff in our world class pool and fitness centre
• Theatre and music programs/mentoring teaching of practicums
• conferences and marketing development staff
• security staff
• And many more

As unionists, mutual respect, cooperation, and understanding are some of our goals. We defend our members rights and lobby to increase all worker rights. We represent our members with legal services, contract enforcement and bargaining a new contract as well as day to day help with any employment issues and education that occur as needed.

 

Current Executive

CUPE Local 4318 members elect their Executive to carry out the Local's work between membership meetings, administer the Local's affairs, and remain accountable to the membership.

President: Fayiaz Chunara
1st Vice-President: Sam Hindle
2nd Vice-President: Vacant
Recording-Secretary: Vacant
Secretary-Treasurer: Lyle Fish
Membership Officer: Jennifer Chiasson

For a workplace concern or request for representation, you do not need to decide which officer to contact. Click on Need Union Help? to contact the union office and we will route your inquiry.

Need Union Help?

 

Shop Stewards

Shop stewards are trained union representatives who help members understand the Collective Agreement, prepare for workplace meetings, and address concerns with the employer. A steward can listen, help you organise the facts, explain possible next steps, and represent you where appropriate.

Shop Stewards as of July 1, 2026:

Steward for Digital Arts: Jennifer Chiasson
Steward for Visual Arts: Cy Yang-Smith
Steward for Front Desk, Bell Desk and Night Audit: Isaac Hong
Steward for ITS; Website: Brian McCullough
Steward for Program Admin; Admissions and Recruitment, Contract Services, Participant Resources, Library and Archives: Sonia Zyvatkauskas
Steward for Mountain Culture: Mark Louie
Steward for Hospitality - Rooms: Mercedes Villegas
Steward for Physical Facilities: Basil Yacob
Stewards for Hospitality - Food and Beverage: Mathew Zarb and Sean Murray
Steward for Program Delivery Specialists and Coordinators: Tonya Godee

Not sure who your steward is?

You may contact any steward, member of the Local Executive, or the union office. We will connect you with the right person. You do not need to delay asking for help because your department is not listed or your regular steward is unavailable.

 

Committees

We have the following committees:

  • Social
  • Communications
  • Health and Safety
  • Benefits
  • Bylaw
  • Grievance
  • Job Evaluation

If you are interested in any of our committees please contact the office!