Abundant Opportunity
After five years of dampened hopes and economic conditions, things are quickly gaining speed in the Prairies
By Dennis Perrin, Prairies Director
I’m amazed at how many work opportunities there are across the prairie provinces. Employment numbers are jumping quickly, and the construction landscape has shifted. Ten years ago, most members were building large industrial construction projects. Now, most are working in the maintenance of those projects.
Unlike other sectors, construction agreements have different start and end dates, depending on the type of work being done and the specific employer. As a result, bargaining committees and representatives are constantly in negotiations to achieve the best possible results for members.
The scenery in this movie is shifting very quickly. It’s a bit like watching a storm build. It’s fascinating and a bit intimidating at the same time, and we are all watching carefully to see where it lands. Stay tuned!
Two New Enhanced Member Services
The CLAC Jobs Team has been active for a number of years helping members find their next job. In recent months, the team has refocused from job recruitment to keeping members working.
Sometimes, we don’t hear from members for a long time. Now, when you’re finished a job, we’ll help get you working again. Just contact your local CLAC member centre and let us know you’re ready for your next job. Or visit clac.ca/jobs to check out our employment tools.
In Alberta, we recently launched a new training model that will greatly benefit members in construction and maintenance. The goal is to better provide for your health and safety training needs. With the new model, you no longer have to wait for your employer’s approval to take a course. Simply contact the CLAC Training Team in your member centre to book a course.
The new model also helps create a more job-ready workforce, preparing you so that you have your training certificates in hand. Over 30 courses and training options are offered at no cost.
Most CLAC-signatory construction employers in Alberta have signed on to the new model. If you’re curious, ask your steward or representative whether the new training model has been incorporated into your agreement. If not, help us encourage your employer to do so!
While construction is booming, members in other sectors have been keeping busy too. I want to give a shout-out to all the amazing members working in essential sectors. Some of you are transporting goods like groceries while others get them into shopping carts. Others are rebuilding amazing engines and parts that find their way into heavy equipment that would blow anyone’s socks off. Some ensure that safety is a top priority before we get onto airplanes while others teach our children and care for our elderly.
No matter what work you do, we are incredibly proud of the essential services you and your fellow members deliver to your communities across the Prairies.