Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Prairie Progress

CLAC is providing support and new opportunities for growth for members

By Dennis Perrin, Prairies Director

We are continually striving to advance the interests of members in the prairies, and we’re excited to share some significant updates that highlight this commitment. From promising developments in negotiations to the launch of new training opportunities—including expanded support for apprentices—these updates underscore our dedication to members’ growth and success.

Negotiations Progress

We are pleased to report that meaningful progress has been made in several recent collective agreement negotiations. Union bargaining committees have been working tirelessly to advocate for better wages, improved working conditions, and enhanced benefits for members. Recent discussions have been productive, with notable advancements on key issues that matter most to you.

In the last few months, collective agreements have been negotiated and ratified by members employed by

Corrcoat Services Inc.,
Ledcor CMI Ltd.,
Ledcor Highways Ltd. – Shop,
Ledcor Site Services Ltd.,
Ledcor Utility Infrastructure Inc.,
OEM Remanufacturing Company,
PCL Builders Inc.,
PCL Energy Inc., and
Radium North Inc.

All agreements contained many significantly improved terms and working conditions for members.

Training Progress

In addition to progress at the bargaining table, we’re expanding training and apprenticeship supports. This year, we are increasing our tuition reimbursement bursaries in the prairie provinces. These bursaries are available to qualified members for each time they complete a level of apprenticeship training. Tuition amounts have increased significantly in recent years in several provinces, and we are increasing the support needed to work through one’s apprenticeship to ultimately attain a journeyperson certificate.

In addition to increasing the bursaries, CLAC now has the ability in most provinces to sponsor apprentices. We have a highly qualified team that provides wraparound support services for apprentices while they complete this important journey.

Research has shown that a significant barrier to completing one’s apprenticeship is a lack of mentorship and supports. CLAC is eager and prepared to support members to provide a highly skilled and qualified workforce that will successfully build and maintain some of Canada’s most impressive infrastructure.

Lastly on the training front, we are making significant changes to programs that will ultimately enhance member services. We are combining services for members in the three western provinces (BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan) under one team and working on enhanced programs that will provide a higher quality and more seamless service for members. Stay tuned for more exciting updates on this front!

Future Progress

As we move forward, we are excited to see the new and continued opportunities that this year will bring for you and your fellow members. We remain steadfast in our mission to represent and empower members.

Every step of progress—from negotiation victories to new training initiatives—is a testament to the strength of our collective efforts. We encourage you to stay informed, get involved, and take advantage of the resources available to you.

Prairie Progress

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