News Releases
Whether you’re one of the 50,000+ workers we represent or just interested to know what’s going on in and around the union, here’s where you’ll find officially released news from CLAC.
CLAC Concerned about Drummond Report’s Training Recommendations
DATE: Today
Mississauga, ON—CLAC supports the Drummond Report’s recommendation to increase the role of union training centres to take on more responsibilities for Ontario apprenticeships but questions an increased role for the College of Trades.
CLAC Supports Extension of Training Tax Credits in BC Budget
DATE: Yesterday
Victoria—CLAC is pleased that the government will extend the apprenticeship training tax credit program for an additional three years to encourage employers and apprentices to participate and complete apprenticeship programs in BC.
Kiewit Energy Fabricators Employees Ratify New Agreement
DATE: Yesterday
Edmonton—Local 63 members employed by Kiewit Energy Fabricators Co. recently voted in favour of a new collective agreement.
Drummond Report Potentially Burdens Low-Wage Earners
DATE: 16/02/2012
Mississauga, ON—The comprehensive report released yesterday by the Commission on the Reform of Ontario’s Public Services, chaired by Don Drummond, thoroughly details many ways the province can reduce expenditures, but its recommendation of a zero wage budget for all public employees has the potential to unfairly burden low-wage earners.
New Contract for Barrett Mechanical Employees
DATE: 14/02/2012
London, ON—Members of Construction Workers Local 53 working in the sheet metal division of Barrett Mechanical have accepted terms for a first collective agreement.
Strong Backing for New Contract at Aurora Resthaven
DATE: 10/02/2012
Aurora, Ontario—Employees of Aurora Resthaven Long Term Care Residence voted ninety-five percent in favour of a renewed collective agreement, which will provide them with wage increases totaling four percent over the term of the agreement.
Ledcor Fabrication Inc. Employees Renew Collective Agreement
DATE: 09/02/2012
Edmonton—Local 63 members employed by Ledcor Fabrication Inc. voted eighty-seven percent in favour of a renewed collective agreement.
Above Average Increases for Kiewit Construction Employees
DATE: 07/02/2012
Fort McMurray, Alberta—Members of Construction Workers Union, Local 63, employed by Kiewit Construction Canada Co. operating under K2 Mining on the Kearl Oil Sands Project site voted strongly in favour of accepting a new two-year agreement.
Local 303 Members Request Meeting with MPP to Discuss Closure of Centre
DATE: 03/02/2012
London—Members of Southwestern Ontario Health Care and Service Workers Union, Local 303, employed by the Salvation Army Bethesda Centre have requested a meeting with local MPP Chris Bentley to discuss the planned closure of their workplace.
New Contract for Optimum Mechanical Employees
DATE: 03/02/2012
Ottawa—CLAC members employed by Optimum Mechanical Solutions have voted strongly in favour of accepting a renewal collective agreement.
Opposition MPP Consults CLAC on Apprenticeships
DATE: 30/01/2012
Cambridge, ON—Garfield Dunlop, MPP and Opposition Critic for Apprenticeship Reform, recently met with Colin deRaaf, Ontario training director, and Andrew Regnerus, Ontario construction coordinator, to discuss apprenticeship reform.
New Safety Boss Meets with CLAC
DATE: 27/01/2012
Cambridge, ON—George Gritziotis, Ontario’s first chief prevention officer (CPO), met with CLAC’s Ontario provincial construction health and safety committee recently.
Increases for Nason Employees
DATE: 25/01/2012
Edmonton—Construction Workers Union, Local 63, members employed by Nason Contracting Group Ltd. ratified a new collective agreement, which provides compensation increases in the form of tax-free allowance increases as well as base wage increases.
Ledcor Construction Employees Renew Contract
DATE: 24/01/2012
Calgary, AB— Following three weeks of negotiations, Local 63 members employed by Ledcor Construction Limited voted eighty-three percent in favour of a renewed two year collective agreement.
Labour Board Rejects Unions’ Latest Attempt to Block Worker Choice
DATE: 23/01/2012
Sakatoon—The Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board dismissed the latest attempt by unions affiliated with the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) to stop CLAC from representing construction workers in the province.
Necessities Drive Reaches Out to Disadvantaged Populations
DATE: 19/01/2012
Langley, BC—Approximately 200 bags stuffed with toothpaste, soap, socks, mittens, and other basics were handed out to disadvantaged populations yesterday during the third annual New Year Necessities Drive, sponsored by CLAC and South Fraser Community Services Society.
Pipeline Employees Ratify Industry-Leading Contract
DATE: 18/01/2012
Winnipeg—With an overwhelming yes vote, members of Construction Workers Union, Local 152, employed by North American Pipeline Inc. (NAPI) in Manitoba ratified a first collective agreement providing industry-leading wages.
Grey Cup Comes to CLAC
DATE: 17/01/2012
Langley, BC—The Grey Cup paid a brief visit to CLAC’s Langley office accompanied by Christie Buono, senior coordinator, suite sales and corporate partnership, with the BC Lions.
Inn from the Cold
DATE: 13/01/2012
Calgary—CLAC recently donated $2,500 to Inn from the Cold, a non-profit organization that operates over sixty inns in Calgary to help families in need.
Breaking New Ground for Women in Construction
DATE: 11/01/2012
Edmonton—CLAC has partnered with Women Building Futures (WBF), an Alberta-based organization, to help increase the number of women working in construction.
New Contract for Kiewit Employees
DATE: 10/01/2012
Fort McMurray, AB—Local 63 members employed by Kiewit Energy working on the Kearl oilsands project in Fort McMurray recently ratified a new collective agreement.
Ryder Employees Ratify New Agreement
DATE: 05/01/2012
Edmonton—Local 56 members employed as heavy equipment technicians (HETs) at Ryder Truck Rental voted in favour of a new collective agreement effective January 1, 2012.
CEC Employees Ratify Contract
DATE: 04/01/2012
Aurora, ON—Employees of CEC Services voted unanimously in favour of a renewed collective agreement, which provides total package increases of ten percent over the life of the agreement.
RCWC Employees Ratify New Agreement
DATE: 03/01/2012
Edmonton—Members of Health Care and Service Employees’ Union, Local 301, employed by the Real Canadian Wholesale Club (RCWC) ratified a new collective agreement providing immediate wage increases and retroactivity to October 2010.
Condolences for Fallen Volunteer Firefighter
DATE: 30/12/2011
Hamilton, ON—Members of the Greater Hamilton Volunteer Firefighter Association, Local 911, express heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Dan Botkin, a volunteer firefighter who passed away yesterday in the line of duty in Enderby, BC.
Strong Support for New Contract
DATE: 22/12/2011
Winnipeg—Educational assistants (EAs) employed by Hanover School Division (HSD) and represented by CLAC voted ninety-four percent in favour of a new collective agreement.
New Contract for Triton Transport Employees
DATE: 21/12/2011
Langley, BC— Twenty members of the Transport, Construction and General Workers Union, Local 66, employed by Triton Transport recently ratified a new three-year contract.
First Agreement Ratified by Eckville Manor Employees
DATE: 06/12/2011
Eckville, AB—Members of Health Care and Service Employees’ Union, Local 301, employed by Eckville Manor House voted ninety-five percent in favour of a newly negotiated collective agreement that will run to the end of 2012.
New Agreement for ABB Ber-Mac Employees
DATE: 05/12/2011
Calgary—Following a three-week negotiation process, members of Construction Workers Union, Local 63, employed by ABB Ber-Mac voted strongly in favour of ratifying a renewed 24-month collective agreement.
New Local 66 Members on Environmental Cutting Edge
DATE: 01/12/2011
Vancouver—Local 66’s newest members are on the cutting edge of biodiversity and eco-harvesting.
CLAC Surpasses 2,000th Certification
DATE: 29/11/2011
Mississauga, ON—CLAC recently received its 2,000th certificate issued by a labour board. The milestone represents organizing of Canadian workplaces into bargaining units by CLAC since its founding in 1952.
Old Labour Tries to Oust CLAC from ITUC
DATE: 25/11/2011
Mississauga, ON—CLAC is outraged at the decision of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) to suspend CLAC’s membership for presenting itself as an alternative trade union in Canada.
Increases for Plumbers at GML Mechanical
DATE: 22/11/2011
Vancouver—CLAC members employed by GML Mechanical have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a new two-year contract.
OE Agent Conducts CLAC Drive-by Smear
DATE: 21/11/2011
Shame on Darryl Wilcox for failing to disclose that he is a business agent for the Operating Engineers union. Wilcox used an attack on Premier Wall as an excuse for a drive-by smear of CLAC in a letter to the Saskatoon Star Phoenix (November 17, 2011).
Royal Ready-Mix Workers Cement Solid Collective Agreement
DATE: 18/11/2011
Mississauga, Ontario—In a unanimous vote, members of Construction Workers Local 52 ratified a new collective agreement with Royal Ready Mix Inc.
Leading Healthcare Agreement Ratified by Overwhelming Majority
DATE: 17/11/2011
Mississauga, ON—Over six hundred CLAC members working at five different long term care facilities in Ontario voted ninety-seven percent in favour of a renewed twenty-eight month collective agreement with their employer, Revera Inc. (Briarwood).
Eight Percent Increase for Ledcor Alberta Limited Employees
DATE: 15/11/2011
Edmonton—Employees of Ledcor Alberta Limited's facility in Edmonton voted in favour of a new three-year collective agreement that will provide them with an average wage and benefit increase of just over eight percent in year one of the contract.
Sheet Metal Workers Employed by Good Mechanical Join CLAC
DATE: 11/11/2011
Ottawa—Sheet metal workers employed by Good Mechanical have now made official the decision to leave the Sheet Metal Workers International Union, Local 47, to become members of CLAC.
Significant Gains for Auto-Motion Shade Employees
DATE: 10/11/2011
Markham, ON—CLAC members employed by Auto-Motion Shade voted unanimously in favour of a renewed three-year collective agreement, which provides total wage increases of 6.75 percent over the term.
Wage and Pension Gains for JV Driver Fabricators Employees
DATE: 08/11/2011
Edmonton—Members of Construction Workers Union, Local 63, employed by JV Driver Fabricators Inc. ratified a new collective agreement with a sixty percent majority.
Strong Gains for First Truck Employees
DATE: 07/11/2011
Edmonton—Employees of First Truck Centre Edmonton voted strongly in favour of a new two-year collective agreement, effective November 1, 2011.
Craig Bromell Joins CLAC as Strategic Advisor
DATE: 04/11/2011
Mississauga, ON—CLAC is pleased to announce that Craig Bromell has joined the union as a strategic advisor to provide assistance with developing organizing opportunities in the Greater Toronto Area.
Alexandria Moulding Employees Choose CLAC
DATE: 04/11/2011
Alexandria, ON—Unionized employees of Moulure Alexandria Moulding chose to do away with their old union and become members of CLAC.
CLAC Pickets Demand More Time for Senior Care
DATE: 03/11/2011
RIDGETOWN, ON—Healthcare workers at The Village on the Ridge, a long term care home, along with the family members of residents, protested cuts to personal support worker (PSW) hours made by the home.
BC Community Services Sector Workers Ratify New Agreement
DATE: 27/10/2011
Langley, BC—Hundreds of Service, Health, and Allied Workers’ Union, Local 501, members working in the community services sector (CSS) across the province voted in favour of ratifying a new collective agreement.
Donald’s Fine Foods Employees Join Local 501
DATE: 25/10/2011
Vancouver—Employees of Donald’s Fine Foods have chosen Service, Health, and Allied Workers’ Union, Local 501, to represent them in their workplace.
Penn-Co Construction Employees Ratify Renewed Agreement
DATE: 24/10/2011
Winnipeg—Members of Construction Workers Union, Local 152, employed by Penn-Co Construction Canada Limited, recently voted strongly in favour of a new collective agreement.
CLAC wants Canadians before TFWs
DATE: 20/10/2011
Fort McMurray, AB—Recent claims made in the media by Local 110 of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers that 200 Canadians have been replaced by temporary foreign workers (TFWs) on a major project in the oilsands were motivated primarily by competition between unions.
Holland Christian Homes Employees Renew Collective Agreement
DATE: 20/10/2011
Brampton, ON—Members of Health Care and Service Workers Union, Local 304, employed by Holland Christian Homes voted seventy-four percent in favour of a renewed collective agreement.
Saskatchewan Court Rules in CLAC’s Favour
DATE: 19/10/2011
Saskatoon—After a lengthy wait, the Saskatchewan Court of Queen’s Bench recently rendered its decision on a judicial review application by unions trying to stop CLAC from exercising its democratic right to represent construction workers in Saskatchewan.
Three Ontario Residents Win CLAC Scholarships
DATE: 19/10/2011
Mississauga, ON—Danielle Decloe, Victoria Thorburn, and Mandi Lee were each awarded a $1,500 CLAC scholarship to use toward their post-secondary education.
Local 501 Members Staff Unique Home in BC
DATE: 18/10/2011
Vernon, BC—Members of Service, Health, and Allied Workers’ Union, Local 501, have begun work at The Caring House, a unique home providing hospice for family and friends of loved ones who receive medical treatment at local hospitals or care facilities.
Retirement Home Employees’ Wages Catch Up with CLAC Contract
DATE: 17/10/2011
Chatham, ON—Service employees working at Residence on the Thames voted unanimously in favour of a new three-year collective agreement, which provides them with an immediate wage catch-up of $1.00 per hour and annual wage increases totalling eight percent over the next three years.
CLAC Awards Three $1,500 Scholarships to BC Residents
DATE: 14/10/2011
Vancouver—Jenson Leung, Brenda Rogers, and Cherie Jackson have each won a $1,500 CLAC scholarship toward furthering their post-secondary education.
Postma Concrete Employees Ratify Renewed Contract
DATE: 13/10/2011
Wyoming, ON—Construction Workers Local 53 members employed by Postma Concrete Forming have accepted terms for a renewed collective agreement, which provides them with annual increases to wage rates and pension contributions.
Increases for Home Care RPNs
DATE: 12/10/2011
Chatham, ON—Registered practical nurses employed by the Chatham Kent Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) voted unanimously in favour of a new two-year collective agreement.
Heyink Workers Ratify First Contract
DATE: 11/10/2011
Chatham, ON—Construction Workers Local 53 members employed by Henry Heyink Construction Ltd. voted eighty-eight percent in favour of ratifying their first collective agreement.
CLAC Donates Land to Habitat for Humanity
DATE: 07/10/2011
Chatham, ON—Habitat for Humanity will be building its first home in the Chatham-Kent region on a lot donated by CLAC.
Kara Frehlich Wins Frank Kooger Skills Canada Award
DATE: 06/10/2011
Calgary—Local 63 member Kara Frehlich has won the $2,000 Frank Kooger Skills Canada Award, which CLAC awards annually to a registered apprentice who has advanced to the provincial or territorial Skills Canada competition.
Engineering Student Receives CLAC Scholarship
DATE: 05/10/2011
Calgary—Graham Howard has won one of twelve $1,500 scholarships awarded annually by CLAC to members, their spouses, children, and grandchildren.
ABB Ber-Mac employees perform electrical instrumentation and technician work all across the province of Alberta.
Graham is currently in his third year studying electrical engineering at the University of Calgary. He has been a member of Construction Workers Union, Local 63, for six years.
Graham works for ABB Ber-Mac as a journeyperson electrician during the summer while he is not at university. He earned his journeyperson ticket in 2008 and is continuing his studies to become an electrical engineer.
“It’s great that CLAC gives out these scholarships,” says Graham. “This will really help out with books and tuition at school.”
Three Manitoba Residents Win CLAC Scholarships
DATE: 04/10/2011
Winnipeg—Nathan MacKrith, Heidi Wiebe, and Dustin Peters have each won $1,500 scholarships toward their post-secondary education.
Saskatoon Pharmacy Student Receives CLAC Scholarship
DATE: 03/10/2011
Saskatoon, SK—Ariane Lewis, a member of Construction Workers Union, Local 63, has won one of twelve $1,500 scholarships awarded annually by CLAC to members, their spouses, children, and grandchildren.
CLAC Hits Back at UFCW Smears
DATE: 30/09/2011
Letter to the editor of the Edmonton Journal re Douglas O’Halloran’s letter (“Only real union provides real representation,” September 27, 2011)
Mr. Electric Employees Join CLAC, Ratify First Agreement
DATE: 28/09/2011
Ottawa—Employees of the Ottawa location of Mr. Electric voted unanimously in favour of accepting a three-year first collective agreement.
UFCW Lies Against CLAC Slammed by Advertising Council
DATE: 27/09/2011
Fort McMurray, AB—A complaint by CLAC about a scurrilous billboard ad in Fort McMurray paid for by UFCW Local 401 was unanimously upheld by the Consumer Response Council of Advertising Standards Canada.
Nursing Student Receives Scholarship
DATE: 23/09/2011
Edmonton—Daniel Drozak of Edmonton has won a $1,500 scholarship from CLAC.
CLAC Sponsors Learning Excellence Program
DATE: 22/09/2011
Fort McMurray, AB—CLAC has teamed up with the Edge School Skill Academy to bring a new learning excellence program to the Fort McMurray community.
Seniors Need to Be the Priority, Not Paperwork, Says CLAC
DATE: 20/09/2011
London—CLAC added its voice to the growing chorus calling on the Ontario government to increase funding for senior care at a protest held today outside the London constituency office of the Honourable Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care.
Patience, Patience
DATE: 19/09/2011
CLAC’s return to Saskatchewan started in earnest just over a year ago. The past year has been one of new beginnings and a whirlwind of activity—not to mention an exercise in patience.
Rebuilding Lives
DATE: 16/09/2011
On January 12, 2010, Haiti was hit with a devastating earthquake.Hundreds of thousands of people were killed that day—most of them by falling buildings.
St. Andrew’s Employees Receive Increases
DATE: 09/09/2011
Chatham, ON – Employees of St. Andrew’s Residence, a retirement home, ratified a new contract, which will give them increased wages and improved benefits.
Flint Industrial Construction Employees Ratify Agreement
DATE: 29/08/2011
Fort McMurry—Construction Workers Union, Local 63, members employed by Flint Industrial Construction Limited recently ratified a new collective agreement.
PC Compression Employees Make Gains with New Contract
DATE: 27/08/2011
Edmonton—Construction Workers Union, Local 63, members employed by PC Compression voted in favour of a new two-year contract.
Jack Layton—Inspiring Politician, Strong Labour Advocate
DATE: 23/08/2011
CLAC expresses its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jack Layton, leader of the Official Opposition and the New Democratic Party.
CLAC Members to Build Major Ontario Tunnel Project
DATE: 19/08/2011
Mississauga, ON—Strabag Inc., whose employees are represented by Construction Workers Local 52, has been awarded the contract for construction of the Southeast Collector Trunk Sewer (SeC) project that will serve York and Durham regions.
Strong Gains for Whispering Pines Employees
DATE: 15/08/2011
Barrie, Ontario—Employees of Whispering Pines Retirement Residence, represented by Health Care and Service Workers Union, Local 304, voted unanimously in favour of a new three-year collective agreement, which provides a general wage increase of seven percent for all classifications over the term.
New Contract for Citadel Care Employees
DATE: 11/08/2011
St. Albert, Alberta—Members of Health Care and Service Employees’ Union, Local 301, employed by Citadel Care Centre voted strongly in favour of a two-year collective agreement, which provides wage increases of three percent.
New Contract for Employees of JV Driver Steel Shop
DATE: 08/08/2011
Edmonton—Local 56 members employed by JV Driver Steel Shop voted strongly in favour of a new collective agreement, which became effective August 1, 2011.
Increases for Pyramid Employees
DATE: 03/08/2011
Edmonton—Local 63 members employed by Pyramid Corporation ratified a new agreement providing a four percent increase to base wage rates and an increase to the pension contributions.
CLAC Alberta Training Receives International Award
DATE: 21/07/2011
Edmonton—CLAC Alberta Training received the Award of Training Excellence by the Scaffold Industry Association ? Accredited Training Institute (SIA–ATI) yesterday at the institute’s annual international conference, held in Minneapolis.
Lode-King Employees Ratify Contract
DATE: 19/07/2011
Winnipeg—Employees of Lode-King Industries, a grain trailer and flat-deck manufacturer, working at the company’s plants in Winkler, Manitoba, voted in favour of a new collective agreement.
CLAC Mourns Passing of Gerald Vandezande
DATE: 18/07/2011
Mississauga, ON—CLAC mourns the recent passing of Gerald Vandezande, who served as the union’s executive secretary from 1966 until 1972 and as editor of The Guide from 1959 to 1972.
Eckville Manor House and Lion’s Golden Villas Employees Join Local 301
DATE: 12/07/2011
Eckville, AB—On July 6, auxiliary nursing and general support services employees at Eckville Manor House and Lion’s Golden Villas voted in favour of joining Health Care and Service Employees Union, Local 301.
First Collective Agreement for Tomlinson Pembroke Employees
DATE: 11/07/2011
Pembroke, ON—Employees of Tomlinson Environmental Services voted overwhelmingly in favour of a first collective agreement.
Gisborne Employees Vote in Favour of New Contract
DATE: 08/07/2011
Grande Cache, AB—Employees of Gisborne Industrial Construction Ltd. working near Grande Cache voted in favour of a new collective agreement negotiated by Construction Workers Union, Local 63.
JVD Energy Employees Choose CLAC
DATE: 07/07/2011
Edmonton—Insulators and reinforcing ironworkers working for JVD Energy Inc. recently voted in favour of joining CLAC through the Alberta Labour Relations Board.
Marnoch Electric Employees Ratify Agreement
DATE: 06/07/2011
Barrie, ON—Employees of Marnoch Electrical Services Inc. recently ratified their first collective agreement negotiated by Construction Workers Local 52.
Retroactive Increases for CUC Employees
DATE: 27/06/2011
Calgary—Local 63 members employed by Canadian Utility Construction Corp. in Calgary ratified a new three-year collective agreement providing wage increases retroactive to May 1, 2011.
PCL Roadwork Employees Join Local 63
DATE: 24/06/2011
Calgary—Construction Workers Union, Local 63, is pleased to announce that employees of PCL Builders Inc. working in the roadbuilding sector have joined the union.
Skyway Employees Ratify Agreement
DATE: 23/06/2011
Calgary—Local 63 members employed by Skyway Canada Ltd. ratified a new thirty-two month collective agreement providing substantial wage increases of more than ten percent over the term.
New Contract for Integral Employees
DATE: 17/06/2011
Fort McMurray, AB—Local 63 members employed by Integral Energy Services Ltd. working in the Wood Buffalo area recently voted ninety-eight percent in favour of accepting a new two-year collective agreement.
OEM Employees Stay with Local 56
DATE: 14/06/2011
Edmonton—After nearly seven years of legal battles—which even knocked on the door of the Supreme Court of Canada—employees of OEM Remanufacturing in Edmonton have chosen to keep Local 56 as their union.
Jasper Employees Choose CLAC
DATE: 06/06/2011
Winnipeg—Construction Workers Union, Local 152, welcomes employees of Jasper Constructors Ltd. into the local.
Run for Water
DATE: 02/06/2011
Langley, BC—CLAC’s Wellness Program team hosted a water table at the Run for Water event, held on May 29 in Abbotsford, to support clean water projects in Ethiopia.
Cornerstone Employees Vote Decisively in Favour of New Contract
DATE: 01/06/2011
Bonnyville, AB—Employees of Cornerstone Industrial Ltd. voted decisively in favour of a new collective agreement that will provide them with wage increases totalling 8.49 percent over the two-and-a-half-year term.
Good Balance, Good Pay for Local 6 Members
DATE: 30/05/2011
Grimsby, ON—A strong majority of Construction Workers Local 6 members voted in favour of a new three-year collective agreement, which provides wage increases of over $3.00 per hour for skilled labourers over the term.
New Agreement for JVD Installations Employees
DATE: 27/05/2011
Fort McMurray, AB—Forty-seven members of Construction Workers Union, Local 63, employed by JVD Installations Inc. working on a maintenance project near Fort McMurray voted eighty-five percent in favour of a new maintenance collective agreement negotiated between the local and the company.
New Contract for Concrete Systems Employees
DATE: 26/05/2011
Sarnia, ON—Members of Construction Workers Local 53 employed by Concrete Systems accepted terms for a renewed three-year collective agreement providing increases to wage rates and pension contributions in each year.
Bayview Mechanics Sign Up With CLAC
DATE: 25/05/2011
Winnipeg—Mechanics employed by Bayview Construction Ltd. recently chose representation with CLAC.
JVD Energy Employees Ratify Agreement
DATE: 24/05/2011
Edmonton—The forty-six employees of JVD Energy Inc. working at two construction sites in Alberta recently voted eighty percent in favour of a new collective agreement negotiated between Construction Workers Union, Local 63, and the company.
New Contract for Redimix Workers
DATE: 20/05/2011
Following six months of intense negotiations, CLAC members employed by Ontario Redimix recently ratified a new agreement.
Corrcoat Employees Ratify Agreement
DATE: 19/05/2011
Members of Construction and Allied Workers’ Union, Local 68, employed by Corrcoat Services Inc. in Surrey, BC, recently voted in favour of a three-year collective agreement that provides wage increases of six percent.
Topline Employees Choose CLAC
DATE: 18/05/2011
Sault Ste. Marie, ON—In a vote conducted by the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) yesterday, employees of Topline Electric Limited chose Construction Workers Local 52 over the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) by a margin of sixteen to two.
Brampton Brick Employees Ratify New Agreement
DATE: 02/05/2011
Brampton, ON—Employees of Brampton Brick Limited voted overwhelmingly in favour of a renewed three-year agreement providing wage increases for all employees as well as increases to safety wear, pension, and various premiums for different shifts and responsibilities.
Heyink Workers Choose CLAC
DATE: 29/04/2011
Chatham, ON—At a vote conducted by the Ontario Labour Relations Board, workers at Henry Heyink Construction Ltd. rejected the Labourers International Union of North America (LIUNA) and chose CLAC Construction Workers Local 53 as their union by a significant majority.
New Contract for Aramark Employees
DATE: 29/04/2011
Fort McMurray, AB—Members of Health Care and Service Employees Union, Local 301, employed by Aramark Remote Services overwhelmingly accepted terms for a renewed collective agreement.
CLAC Members Honoured as Top Apprentices
DATE: 27/04/2011
Edmonton—Local 63 members Everett Dana and Travis Maguire were honoured as Top Apprentices and outstanding performers in their trades at the fourteenth annual Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) Awards.
New Contract for Employees at Art Concrete Forming
DATE: 20/04/2011
Sarnia, ON—Members of Construction Workers Local 53 employed by ART Concrete Forming Ltd. accepted terms for a renewed collective agreement.
Frustrated Retirement Home Workers Switch to CLAC
DATE: 08/04/2011
Chatham, ON—At a vote conducted today by the Ontario Labour Relations Board, workers at Residence on the Thames overwhelmingly voted to switch from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) to CLAC.
Arbitration Award Addresses Consent Concerns
DATE: 08/04/2011
Mississauga, ON—The last thing employees need to be worrying about when they’re sick is whether their privacy is being violated without their consent. A recent ground-breaking arbitration decision ensures they won’t have to.
Competitive Agreement for Executive Inn Employees
DATE: 04/04/2011
Vancouver—Local 501 members working at four hotels in the Executive Inn Hotel chain in the Vancouver area recently voted in favour of a new four-year contract, which provides increases totalling over six percent.
MCL Employees Ratify Agreement
DATE: 01/04/2011
Edmonton—Employees of MCL Power Inc. working in the greater Edmonton area recently voted 91 percent in favour of accepting a new two-year collective agreement negotiated by Construction Workers Union, Local 63.
CLAC Dismisses Ontario Budget as Electioneering
DATE: 30/03/2011
Toronto—CLAC was disappointed with the Ontario government’s 2011 budget viewing the 300 pages as more of an election platform than a budget that helps Ontarians trying to cope with the effects of the economic recovery.
Rigging Employees Ratify New Contract
DATE: 29/03/2011
Edmonton—Employees of Specialized Rigging Services Ltd. working in Alberta recently voted in favour of accepting a new collective agreement.
First Contract for Clarke Construction Employees
DATE: 22/03/2011
Chatham, ON—Employees of Clarke Construction Inc., who recently joined Construction Workers Local 53, ratified their first collective agreement.
Fallen Heroes
DATE: 18/03/2011
Listowel, ON—Members of two Ontario volunteer firefighter associations affiliated with the CLAC, Local 911 and 920, express heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of Raymond Walter and Kenneth Rea, two volunteer firefighters who passed away yesterday in Listowel in the line of duty.
CLAC Applauds Rise in BC Minimum Wage
DATE: 18/03/2011
Vancouver—CLAC supports Premier Christy Clark’s announcement that BC’s minimum wage will rise to $10.25 an hour by May 1, 2012.
Bus Drivers Ratify Agreement
DATE: 17/03/2011
Winnipeg—CLAC negotiated a new collective agreement with significant increases for bus drivers employed by the Garden Valley School Division in Winkler, Manitoba.
CLAC Welcomes Improvements to TFW Program
DATE: 14/03/2011
Mississauga, ON—On April 1, 2011, new rules will come into effect for Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program, administered by Human Resources and Skill Development Canada (HRSDC).
JJM Workers Ratify Agreement
DATE: 11/03/2011
Langley, BC—Following lengthy negotiations, Local 67 members employed by JJM Construction Ltd., based in Delta, ratified a new three-year agreement that provides wage increases of six percent over the term.
New Contract for Chatham Retirement Resort Employees
DATE: 08/03/2011
Chatham, ON—Chatham Retirement Resort employees ratified a new three-year renewal collective agreement providing an average wage raise of 5.5 percent over the term as well as increases to benefits coverage, pager allowance, and uniform allowance.
Huge Gains for Universal Employees
DATE: 07/03/2011
Brampton, ON—Employees of Universal Fire Systems voted unanimously in favour of a settlement negotiated on their behalf by Construction Workers Local 52.
Kile Employees Ratify New Contract
DATE: 04/03/2011
Aurora, ON—Construction Workers Local 52 members employed by Kile Contr. Inc., an underground utility contractor, voted unanimously in favour of a renewed three-year collective agreement, which provides wage increases of 13 to 15 percent over the term and increases to the pension plan.
Chartwell Employees Ratify Solid First Agreement
DATE: 03/03/2011
Brampton, ON—Employees of Greenway Retirement Village voted 85 percent in favour of a first collective agreement negotiated on their behalf by Health Care and Service Workers Union, Local 304.
First Agreement at Lacombe Lodge
DATE: 02/03/2011
Lacombe, AB—Local 301 members employed at the Lacombe Lodge, a retirement home, approved a newly negotiated collective agreement that will run to the end of 2012.
CLAC Hosts DigSafe BC! Workshop
DATE: 01/03/2011
Langley, BC—In partnership with Kiewit Construction, CLAC hosted a DigSafe BC! workshop at its Langley Training Centre. Seventy-five participants learned how to avoid buried pipelines, cables, and other underground infrastructure.
CEC Employees Ratify Contract
DATE: 28/02/2011
Aurora, ON—Employees of CEC Mechanical voted in favour of a renewed collective agreement, which provides total package increases of over 8.5 percent.
CLAC Representative Appointed to Labour Board
DATE: 25/02/2011
Edmonton¾CLAC is pleased to announce that the Alberta government has appointed Derek Schreiber, a long-time CLAC representative, to the Alberta Labour Relations Board.
Rockwell Employees Ratify New Contract
DATE: 24/02/2011
Toronto—Employees of Rockwell Site Works voted unanimously in favour of a renewed collective agreement, which provides a total package increase of over 16 percent.
New Contract for JMR Electric Employees
DATE: 22/02/2011
Exeter, ON—Employees of JMR Electric Ltd. voted 75 percent in favour of a settlement negotiated on their behalf by Construction Workers Local 53.
Good News in Tough Times
DATE: 17/02/2011
Listowel, ON—Employees of Livingstone Manor Retirement Home, represented by Health Care and Service Workers Union, Local 304, voted unanimously to accept the conditions of a one-year renewed collective agreement providing them with a two percent wage increase.
CLAC Wins Decisive Victory in Saskatchewan
DATE: 16/02/2011
Saskatoon—The Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board handed CLAC a clear victory by dismissing all of the applications by Old Labour unions to delay CLAC certifications of bargaining units in Saskatchewan.
Poly Party Raid Fails
DATE: 08/02/2011
Langley, BC—In a scathing decision rendered by Vice Chair Topalian, the BC Labour Relations Board dismissed an application for certification by a poly party of the Operating Engineers and the Labourers. The two US-based unions attempted to raid CLAC members at Pedre Contractors, a long time Local 68 signatory company.
CLAC Pickets to Demand More Time for Seniors Care
DATE: 07/02/2011
Chatham, ON—CLAC members who work in long term care will form information pickets this Friday at long term care homes in Sarnia, Paris, Owen Sound, and St. Catharines to protest the Ontario government’s failure to provide enough funding to allow seniors 3.5 hours of personal care each day.
Chartwell Employees Ratify Solid First Agreement
DATE: 27/01/2011
Oakville, ON—Employees of Chartwell Classic Oakville voted unanimously in favour of a first collective agreement negotiated on their behalf by their union, Health Care and Service Workers Union, Local 304, affiliated with CLAC.
Workers at the Hartford Ratify New Contract
DATE: 26/01/2011
Ottawa—Workers at the Hartford Retirement Centre in Morrisburg, Ontario, have a new union and a new union contract. Approximately 20 workers employed as attendants at the retirement residence voted last February to join CLAC.
Change for the Better
DATE: 26/01/2011
Stratford, ON—The 25 employees of Anne Hatheway Residence, a retirement home, recently left the Ontario Federation of Healthcare Workers union in favour of Grand River Valley Health Care Employees Union, Local 305, affiliated with CLAC.
Sylvan Lake Lodge Employees Ratify Contract
DATE: 21/01/2011
Calgary—Local 301 members employed by Sylvan Lake Lodge, a seniors home, strongly endorsed a new collective agreement. The contract provides wage increases for all employees, shoe and clothing allowances, and significant improvements in benefits for casual employees.
Agreement Ratified at Cormode and Dickson
DATE: 19/01/2011
Edmonton—Employees of Cormode and Dickson Construction working in Alberta recently voted in favour of accepting a new collective agreement negotiated between CLAC and the company.
National Post features CLAC projects
DATE: 11/01/2011
A story in the National Post on building Canadian infrastructure includes mention of the Port Mann Bridge/Highway One project and the roof replacement of BC Place, two projects being built by CLAC members. Link to story.
Rogers Arena Employees Ratify New Contract
DATE: 07/01/2011
Vancouver—CLAC members who work at Rogers Arena for Vancouver Arena Limited Partnership (also known as Canucks Sports and Entertainment) voted in favour of a new four-year contract. The agreement includes wage increases of 12 percent over the term and improvements to sick leave and vacation benefits. Security personnel also are now eligible for a bonus to offset the cost of annual security licensing.
Regency Employees Reject SEIU, Choose CLAC
DATE: 06/01/2011
Mississauga, ON—Employees of Regency Retirement Residence in Mississauga voted unanimously in favour of ending their relationship with SEIU and joining CLAC. “We knew there were concerns about a lack of representation and poor service from SEIU,” says Jonathan Schat, CLAC Ontario representative. “But we did not anticipate winning the vote in such a decisive manner.”
Vision ’74 Employees Ratify Contract
DATE: 05/01/2011
Sarnia, ON—Employees of Vision ’74 Rest Home voted unanimously to accept a two-year renewal collective agreement yesterday. The employees are members of Southwestern Ontario Health Care and Service Workers Local 303.
CLAC Auction Raises Money for Food Bank
DATE: 04/01/2011
Calgary—A closed bid auction for four tickets to the NHL Heritage Classic game between the Calgary Flames and the Montreal Canadiens netted $412 for the Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank. The tickets were part of the season ticket packages CLAC’s Calgary office buys every year and then sells to CLAC members at cost. Due to the popularity of the Heritage Classic game, which will take place outdoors at McMahon Stadium in Calgary on February 20, 2011, a closed bid auction was held. Congratulations to the CLAC members with the winning bid, and thanks to all members for your bids in support of a great cause!
Lacombe Lodge Employees Choose CLAC Over UFCW
DATE: 17/12/2010
Lacombe, AB—Employees at Lacombe Senior Citizens Lodge voted unanimously in favour of CLAC representing them as their union earlier this afternoon. CLAC came out on top over the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) in a vote conducted under the supervision of the Alberta Labour Relations Board. The Lacombe Lodge employees will become members of Health Care and Service Employees Union, Local 301, affiliated with CLAC.
CLAC Appoints New Fort McMurray Regional Director
DATE: 17/12/2010
Fort McMurray—CLAC is pleased to announce that Jayson Bueckert has been appointed as the union’s new regional director for Fort McMurray. Bueckert is filling the post vacated by Wayne Prins who recently was appointed CLAC’s Prairies director.
CLAC Holds Charity Event for South Fraser Community Services
DATE: 09/12/2010
Langley – The second annual CLAC charity event was held Wednesday at the CLAC office with a dozen staff and volunteers from South Fraser Community Centre in Surrey and CLAC employees filling over a hundred bags with tooth paste, soap, socks, mittens and other essentials which will be given out to the clients who frequent the Centre.
CLAC Apprentices Win Multiple Awards
DATE: 30/11/2010
Edmonton—CLAC apprentices enjoyed a successful evening at the 10th annual Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) celebration in Edmonton winning a number of awards. Close to 300 Alberta apprentices spanning 28 diverse trades were recognized for their individual achievements. Each apprentice was rewarded with a $1,000 scholarship, provided by industry stakeholders.
Jessica Jones Wins CLAC Scholarship
DATE: 25/11/2010
Cambridge, ON—Jessica Jones of Hamilton has won a $1,500 CLAC scholarship. Jessica is enrolled in the honours kinesiology co-op program at the University of Waterloo. Her mother, Mary Rose Jones, works at the Pine Villa Nursing Home as a personal support worker in Stoney Creek and serves as a steward.
Mandi Lee Wins CLAC Scholarship
DATE: 24/11/2010
Grimsby, ON—Mandi Lee of Hagersville has won a $1,500 CLAC scholarship. Mandi is enrolled at Mohawk College in Hamilton to obtain her practical nursing degree. She works at the Riviera Retirement Lodge in Caledonia as a personal support worker and serves as a steward.
Brenda Rogers Wins CLAC Scholarship
DATE: 23/11/2010
Langley, BC—Brenda Rogers of Coquitlam has won a $1,500 CLAC scholarship. Brenda is enrolled in the human resource management program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) in Burnaby, BC. She works at Canucks Sports and Entertainment as an event host at Rogers Arena.
Allison Blackmore Wins CLAC Scholarship
DATE: 22/11/2010
Grimsby, ON—Allison Blackmore of Paris, Ontario, has won a $1,500 CLAC scholarship. Allison is enrolled at the Ontario College of Arts and Design. Her mother, Dianne Millward, works as a personal support worker in long term health care at Telfer Place in Paris.
Francesco Runco Wins CLAC Scholarship
DATE: 21/11/2010
Edmonton—Francesco Runco of Edmonton has won a $1,500 CLAC scholarship. Francesco is studying architectural technology at the Northern Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton. Francesco’s mother, Debbie Runco, is an operations senior specialist at Save-On Foods and she serves on the CLAC Alberta Training Trust Fund committee.
Megan Mclaren Wins CLAC Scholarship
DATE: 20/11/2010
Edmonton—Megan McLaren of Edmonton has won a $1,500 CLAC scholarship. Megan is attending Selkirk College taking an associate of arts degree. She works as a customer service specialist at the Summerside Save-On Foods store in Edmonton and serves as a steward.
CLAC Disappointed with Ontario Government’s Economic Update
DATE: 19/11/2010
Mississauga, ON—CLAC is disappointed with the Ontario government’s latest statement on the state of province’s economic situation. “Working families were looking forward to better news about Ontario’s future but instead were presented with information about renewable energy, pension reform, and the sale of 20 percent of the government’s stake in General Motors,” says Hank Beekhuis, CLAC’s Ontario director. “Ontario families were expecting help with increasing costs due to electricity hikes and the harmonized sales tax and instead heard about the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit (OCEB).”
Winkler Students Win CLAC Scholarships
DATE: 19/11/2010
Winnipeg—Three students from Winkler have each won $1,500 scholarships from CLAC. Jaclyn Peters is enrolled in the bachelor of science program at the University of Manitoba. Her mother, Margaret Peters, works as an educational assistant in the Garden Valley School Division in Winkler and serves as steward. She is also the secretary of Education, Service and Health Care Union (CLAC), Local 306.
CLAC Calls for Rise in BC Minimum Wage
DATE: 17/11/2010
Delegates to CLAC's 2010 National Convention, which was held in BC recently, voted overwhelmingly to call on the BC government to raise the minimum wage to $10.25 per hour followed by annual cost of living adjustments.
Esther Campbell Wins CLAC Scholarship
DATE: 16/11/2010
Abbotsford, BC—Esther Campbell of Abbotsford has won a $1,500 scholarship from CLAC. Esther is attending the University of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford and is enrolled in the bachelor of science in physics and psychology degree program. She works as a resource program worker at Bethesda Christian Association, a group home for disabled individuals.
Ryan Christison Wins CLAC Scholarship
DATE: 12/11/2010
Langley, BC— Ryan Christison of Abbotsford has won a $1,500 scholarship from CLAC. Ryan currently works at Associated Veterinary Purchasing in Abbotsford and is a former steward at the facility. He is enrolled in a master of arts in interdisciplinary humanities program at Trinity Western University in Langley.
CLAC Appoints Wayne Prins Prairies Director
DATE: 11/11/2010
Edmonton—CLAC has appointed Wayne Prins as its new Prairies director responsible for CLAC operations in Edmonton, Calgary, Fort McMurray, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg. Prins most recently served as CLAC's Fort McMurray director. He moved to the city in 2004 as CLAC's first representative in the area and opened the union's Fort McMurray office. CLAC now represents more than half of all workers constructing oilsands facilities in the region.
CLAC Says Arbitration System Is Not Broken
DATE: 10/11/2010
Increasingly, we hear calls from the public for the Ontario government to rein in arbitrators. The public is upset that recent rulings give wage increases to public sector workers despite the government’s wage freeze. This knee jerk reaction against arbitrators is totally misplaced.
New Agreement for Ryder Employees
DATE: 01/11/2010
Edmonton—Local 56 members working in Ryder Truck Rental’s maintenance shop approved a newly negotiated collective agreement that runs to the end of 2011. The members repair and maintain Ryder’s fleet of lease and rental vehicles in and around Edmonton.
New Contract for Employees at Kent-Erie Glass
DATE: 25/10/2010
Chatham, ON—With unanimous support, employees of Chatham-based Kent Erie Glass voted to ratify the contract settlement negotiated on their behalf by Construction Workers Local 53. The three-year contract provides wage increases for journeypersons of $1.65 per hour over the term of the agreement. A more significant key in the settlement for the employees is a considerable increase in pension funding. Employees will see the hourly employer contribution to employee pensions rise from the present rate of $1.90 per hour worked to $2.25 per hour worked.
Wabi Employees Ratify Contract
DATE: 21/10/2010
Edmonton—Employees of KBR Wabi Ltd. working in Alberta recently voted in favour of accepting a collective agreement negotiated between CLAC and the company. The new contract includes a two percent increase to base wage rates effective September 1, 2010, an additional two percent increase scheduled for February 27, 2011, and a wage review September 1, 2011. KBR Wabi employees work on oil and gas industrial construction sector projects.
Let Union Members Decide for Themselves
DATE: 20/10/2010
Mississauga, ON—CLAC is calling on all Ontario unions to stay out of politics and let their members decide for themselves in the Toronto mayoralty race. "Unions have no business endorsing political candidates, and even less business making significant financial contributions to campaigns," says Hank Beekhuis, Ontario director.
Alberta Automatic Employees Ratify Agreement
DATE: 18/10/2010
Edmonton—Employees of Alberta Automatic Sprinklers Ltd. recently voted in favour of accepting a new collective agreement negotiated between CLAC and the company. The contract includes a 3.5 percent increase to base wage rates effective October 1, 2010, and a 1.3 percent increase to the retirement plan. Alberta Automatic is involved in installing fire suppression sprinkler systems on numerous construction projects in Alberta.
Solidarnosc Invites CLAC to Poland for 30th Anniversary Celebration
DATE: 15/10/2010
Mississauga, ON—The Polish trade union Solidarnosc has invited CLAC, a long-time supporter, to join in celebrations in Poland to mark the 30th anniversary of its founding at the Gdansk shipyard. Executive Director Dick Heinen will be travelling to Poland to honour Solidarnosc, the first non-communist party-controlled trade union in a Warsaw Pact country and a key player in delivering freedom and democracy to Eastern Europe.
Link Employees Ratify New Agreement
DATE: 04/10/2010
Edmonton—Employees of Link Scaffold Services Inc. working in and around Edmonton recently voted 80 percent in favour of accepting a new collective agreement negotiated between Local 63 and the company. As of October 1, 2010, base wage rates increased by 3.8 percent for employees working outside of the Wood Buffalo region (Fort McMurray), with higher rates for those working in Wood Buffalo. All employees will receive an additional two percent increase in March 2011.
CLAC Takes Part in Oilsands Information Tour
DATE: 30/09/2010
CLAC was recruited by the Alberta government to help explain the economic and social benefits of developing the Alberta oilsands and the efforts being undertaken to minimize the environmental impact. Wayne Prins, Fort McMurray director, accompanied several Alberta cabinet ministers recently on an information tour of Ontario. With more than 6,000 members working in the Fort McMurray and Cold Lake regions, CLAC has a unique, first hand perspective on the impact of the oilsands development on Canadian workers and the economy.
RPNs Ratify First Contract
DATE: 26/08/2010
Grimsby, ON—Registered practical nurses employed by Shalom Gardens voted unanimously in favour of their first collective agreement. In addition to the job security they were seeking when they joined CLAC, these nurses' wages will increase to $21.50 per hour in May 2008. A responsibility premium was also negotiated into the competitive package.
Teleflex Workers Choose CLAC
DATE: 26/07/2010
Langley, BC—Workers employed by Teleflex Canada in Richmond voted to choose CLAC to represent them as their union today. CLAC came out on top over the Steelworkers in a vote count conducted under the supervision of the BC Labour Relations Board. The Teleflex workers will become members of the Service, Health and allied Workers’ Union, Local 501, affiliated with CLAC.
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