Sunday, November 1, 2020

Benefits of the CLAC Model

I could have been a paramedic, or a grocery store manager, or . . . . Instead, I work at CLAC. Why? Because I believe that workplaces are better with a union, and I believe in CLAC’s model of representation specifically

Newsletters Alberta Local 63 BC Local 68 Manitoba Local 152 Saskatchewan Local 151 Sectors Construction

By Geoff Dueck Thiessen, Regional Director, Winnipeg Member Centre

7 Reasons Why CLAC’s Model Works Better

Lower dues – CLAC members pay 1.4 percent of gross wages. There is no requirement to pay nonworking dues to be eligible for future work. If you want to take advantage of our hiring services, we’re there to get you working.
Nonpartisan – We do not spend members’ dues on donations to political parties or candidates. We don’t know how you vote, so why would we spend your money as if we did? We stay politically active and lobby for our members’ interests, but that’s where it stops.
Flexible model – Our wall-to-wall model means we can represent all the trades on the same project, making for a less rigid work environment, with fewer grievances. The wall-to-wall workplace also allows for multiskilling opportunities.
Access to work from Ontario to BC – CLAC is a national, multisector union. Want to work at Kitimat, Wood Buffalo, or the GTA? We can help with that, and you won’t have to sit on a union hiring hall list, waiting for your turn.
Employer-paid health benefits – Under CLAC collective agreements, our health benefits are 100 percent employer paid. Not working under a CLAC agreement anymore? Once your hour bank runs out, you can self-pay for up to six months and stay protected until you find work.
Dependable retirement savings plans – CLAC’s defined-contribution, registered pension plan is well-managed and won’t be vulnerable to underfunding like defined benefit plans. It’s going to be there for you. The money is yours, and you don’t take a penalty for moving your money. Here are a few facts about the CLAC Pension Plan:

• The plan was established in 1974 and has a proven track record of solid investment performance with low management fees.

• Over 580 employers participate in the plan, some of whom have multiple divisions across the country.

• Over 96,000 individuals have accounts in the plan (as of December 31, 2020).

• The plan assets now total over $1 billion (as of December 2020).

• The plan is the 13th-largest defined contribution plan in Canada.

7. Respect and professionalism – CLAC provides professional representation to members and always aims to take the high ground. We work very hard to ensure our members are trained, safe, and respected. And when members get in trouble, we’re there to support them and ensure they get the representation they need, through the informal and formal grievance procedures and through to arbitration.

Benefits of the CLAC Model

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