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Join Us

Join CLAC! We are one of the largest independent national unions in Canada with over 60,000 members working in a wide range of sectors—construction, education, emergency services, healthcare, retail, service, transportation, manufacturing, and more.

CLAC does more than advocate for fair working conditions, wages, and benefits. We work to ensure you enjoy your job and feel valued, respected, and rewarded. We also provide you with opportunities to grow, to expand, and to fulfil your potential.
 

The CLAC Difference

We are a truly modern union. Our approach is constructive, not confrontational. We work to make your workplace a better place—so that you and your coworkers can grow both as a workplace community and as individuals.

It’s why we

  • Balance individual and collective interests when we negotiate
  • Only strike as a last resort
  • Don’t tell our members where to work, or our signatory employers who they can hire
  • Don’t force anyone to join us, or fine them when they leave
  • Use your dues money to represent and support you—not politicians or political parties

 

Professional representation means we have your back

Our representatives are fulltime CLAC employees who are trained in labour relations, and skilled in negotiations and conflict resolution. They work hard to protect your rights and safety and to ensure you get the benefits and working conditions you need and deserve. And through it all, we help keep you working.

 

FAQs about Unionizing with CLAC

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.

 

We think differently than other unions.

We work to make your workplace a better place—so that you and your coworkers can grow both as a workplace community and as individuals.

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Positive Work-Life

We are a modern union committed to bringing you the best possible workplace.

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Champions of You

Count on us to always be on your side.

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Everyday Greatness

Better relationships at work create greater work satisfaction.

Learn More