End of the Diesel Era
The hallmark of CLAC’s reputation as a union is that it meets its members where they’re at: on the job site or in their workplace
By Henk de Zoete, National Board President
Working as a union representative requires having a reliable car and a certain amount of respectful love of driving. One type of car dominated my 36 years of being on the road to visit and interact with members: diesel-powered ones. I drove five of them during that time, covering almost one million kilometres.
In the very early years, representatives received a VW Bug as standard CLAC equipment, along with a briefcase and a hard hat. That didn’t last long, and soon we were able to buy whatever car we wanted and were reimbursed per kilometre driven. I chose diesels because of their great fuel efficiency, longevity, and reliability—an important quality in building trust with our members is showing up to represent them!
Driving to a job site, negotiation meeting, or a tough grievance situation allowed me to focus sharply on what needed to be done when I arrived. I had time to review a situation, look for an angle that I hadn’t thought of that might help resolve a grievance, or a new solution to break a negotiations log jam. The drive back gave me time and space to reflect on what had been accomplished (or not), make mental notes of what could have been done better, or just unwind. These were the days before constant connectivity!
When circumstances allowed, I developed “relationships” with certain radio personalities. Peter Gzowski, with his programs This Country in the Morning and Morningside, was my road companion for many years. Long evening drives home often allowed me to follow the Blue Jays, especially during their 1990s glory days. I’ve shared memories comparing driving notes in conversations with members who deliver materials, groceries, and goods.
Having experienced the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that there really is no substitute for in-person, face-to-face interactions to provide effective representation. The hallmark of CLAC’s reputation as a union is that it meets its members where they’re at: on the job site or in their workplace. So, we’ll continue to drive (and fly) to promote these trust- and confidence-building relationships. But we’ll be driving different vehicles.
Personally, I’ll be driving my sixth and last diesel for a limited period of time yet. I’m looking to move from the 19th century of Rudolf Diesel into the 21st with a hybrid gas/electric vehicle. I’m not comfortable with going all electric. We lack a robust electric charging infrastructure at this time. As well, the size of batteries in all-electric vehicles consume huge quantities of rare metals and minerals often found and mined in places where working conditions are appalling, wages are exploitative, and governments are corrupt. Getting these metals and minerals out of the ground is also often environmentally destructive.
I’m pleased that CLAC is working with responsible, environmentally committed signatories to develop and construct carbon capture, hydrogen extraction, and other facilities to provide energy that is needed and appropriate for the changing times we are all living in. But I will fondly remember my diesels.