CLAC has been changing the game when it comes to how unions operate in Canada. “Unlike the confrontational approach that many traditional unions take, CLAC is built on the belief that collaboration, not conflict, is the key to success for both workers and employers,” says Ian DeWaard, CLAC’s Provincial Director. “It’s a partnership model where everyone feels valued and heard.”
CLAC is a modern, progressive multi-trade union. We have built a reputation for working with employers to achieve fair outcomes, rather than just drawing battle lines. At the same time, we enable respectful, fair, and culturally safe working conditions. We are always listening and learning.
Growing membership in Northern Ontario
Our approach has been getting a lot of attention in Northern Ontario’s mining, construction, and transportation industries. Some major projects involving CLAC members include the Newgold-Rainy River Mine near Fort Frances, the Equinox Gold-Greenstone Mine in Geraldton, and the IAMGOLD-Cote Gold Project near Sudbury.
We’re ready to connect with northern and Indigenous workers and businesses who are looking to create better workplaces.
“As word spreads and more workers see the benefits firsthand, it’s no surprise that CLAC is becoming a preferred choice for workers in Northern Ontario.” DeWaard says. “Our members are being invited to work on more projects in the north. We have been their bargaining agent, their voice in the workplace, year after year.”
CLAC members are travelling to job sites in the north, and more people who live in the area are being hired on these projects as well. In the past year, four workplaces in Northern Ontario have elected to leave their traditional union and join CLAC.
“Workers are choosing CLAC as their bargaining agent because they are seeing the positive results of intentional collaboration, resulting in better outcomes for all parties in the workplace.” DeWaard says.
Collaboration on the construction site
In a traditional unionized workplace, there could be 16 different unions on a typical construction project, each negotiating separately with the employer, with a focus on protecting their specialized work. “On a CLAC construction site where multiple trades are working together, CLAC negotiates a collective agreement that considers the entire workforce rather than one specific trade,” DeWaard says.
In a traditional union, a worker might be penalized for performing a task outside their trade. But with CLAC’s approach, skilled workers are encouraged to pitch in where needed without fear of violating a contract. This approach makes the job site more efficient and encourages a sense of teamwork.
Workers have a voice
Instead of viewing each other as opponents. CLAC encourages employers and employees to work together toward common goals, which leads to a shared commitment to the company’s success.
“CLAC’s approach puts partnership first.” DeWaard says. “This changes how the workplace is organized, how collective bargaining is done, and how we resolve our disputes, because we believe all people deserve to be treated with dignity.”
Workers have a real voice in the decisions that affect their work lives. From the employer’s perspective, a more collaborative approach helps prevent the kind of grievances and strikes that can slow and sour labour relations.
Workers have a choice
In Ontario, CLAC represents about 18,000 workers in over 350 workplaces. About 40% of those work in the construction sector, including mining and transportation. The rest work in health care and various other sectors.
“CLAC has been invited in by the workers and, in many of these workplaces, CLAC has been there for decades,” DeWaard says. “They have chosen CLAC because the approach we bring to the workplace is sensible and has a positive impact on people’s working lives.”
Protecting rights and entitlements
CLAC’s collaborative approach benefits everyone so that the entire enterprise can thrive. Based on our growing membership, this approach is resonating with workers. In 2000, membership was 14,000; today, we represent 65,000 workers across Canada.
CLAC offers a refreshing approach to labour relations. We focus on building productive relationships with practical solutions that enhance overall well-being in the workplace.
To learn more about what CLAC can bring to your workplace, contact Ian DeWaard at Email; idewaard@clac.ca or visit their website.
