Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Proud to Be a CLACer!

“CLAC is a union that was founded on the belief that people, businesses, and work communities flourish when workplaces are based on cooperation and mutual respect—when we work with each other, not against each other.”

Newsletters Ontario Healthcare

By Oluwatosin Ogunnaike, Representative, Mississauga Member Centre

In my first few months working as a CLAC representative, I heard this message consistently through training, conferences, and in communication with our members—CLAC is all about creating a positive work-life. Having worked previously at companies where the word “family” was used loosely but the culture and relationships were anything but, I was admittedly skeptical about the integrity of CLAC’s values initially.

My mindset was quickly altered within my first few weeks working for CLAC. From working outside of regular work hours to ensure member concerns are addressed, to campaigning outdoors in -20 degree weather to create a better working environment for employees seeking better representation, CLAC staff exceed expectations daily with the sole aim of doing what is best for our members.

I also witnessed the same values demonstrated internally, with representatives taking time out of their busy schedules to lessen a coworker’s workload, collectively sharing ideas on how to solve problems, or simply lending a listening ear when a coworker needs encouragement. The values of respect, dignity, and fairness reverberate both internally and externally throughout the organization.

I’m only a few months in my role as a CLAC representative, and I have been converted to a proud CLACer, part of a community that genuinely cares about people, which may sound mundane but in today’s world is a truly remarkable feat.

Proud to Be a CLACer!

You might be interested in