Join Us

Provincial and federal laws give workers the right to unionize without punishment or retaliation. If your employer tries to intimidate you in any way or terminates your employment, we’ll bring the full weight of the law to bear—regardless of whether the unionization campaign is successful or not. You're protected the moment you sign a membership application card.

No. The law forbids employers from making changes. A freeze period runs from the date of application for certification to a set date, or until a first contract is reached. Changes can only be made with the permission of the labour relations board or the union during this freeze period.

Yes, within certain time frames established by federal and provincial labour laws. These time frames are often informally referred to as open season. The best way to learn more is to talk to one of our reps today.

It differs from province to province and sector to sector. The best way to learn more is to contact one of our knowledgeable reps through this contact form or by calling your local member centre.

While every settlement is different, your contract will ensure you enjoy strong representation and excellent work conditions, benefits, and wages, which often include:

• A fair promotion system
• A dispute resolution procedure
• Fair wages
• Job security and seniority provisions
• Employer contributions to the CLAC Pension Plan or the CLAC Group RSP
• A comprehensive employer-paid health insurance plan
• Education and training opportunities
• Vacation with pay
• Paid holidays
• Personal paid days or sick days
• Pay for jury duty or coroner’s inquest
• Allowances for uniforms, safety shoes/boots, and other mandated equipment

You and your fellow workers will meet with one of our experienced reps to draft contract proposals and elect members to a bargaining committee. We’ll give the committee access to our research on economic and bargaining trends in your industry and comparable workplaces.

The bargaining committee and your CLAC rep will negotiate with your employer with the goal of reaching the best possible settlement. A settlement is only concluded once you and your fellow workers (or sometimes fellow local members) have ratified it by a majority in a membership vote.

If and when a collective agreement is in place, you will be required to pay union dues. Our dues policy is set by the union's National Convention at a very competitive rate. CLAC dues are among the lowest in the country. And unlike some unions, your dues stay in Canada and are used to support you and your co-workers—not political parties or candidates.