Friday, October 10, 2025

Thankful to Work for a Canadian Union

By Gord O’Coin, Regional Director, Sudbury Member Centre

Every now and then, I pause in the middle of a busy day and reflect on how meaningful my work feels.

I’ve had the opportunity to do many different kinds of jobs in my past, and each of them has taught me something important.

But working for a Canadian union adds a unique sense of purpose because I can see—in a very direct way—the positive impact our efforts have on the lives of members and their families. That connection gives me motivation, knowing the work we do matters.

Over the years, I’ve met members from every background. Some share stories of struggling to find steady work. Others talk about how the stability of their collective agreement finally gave them a chance to plan for their family’s future.

Every handshake, every “thank you,” and even every tough conversation reminds me that representing workers is about much more than contracts and grievances. It’s about respect, dignity, and giving people a voice in their workplace.

What makes this even more meaningful is that CLAC is Canadian through and through. Being rooted here means we understand firsthand the unique challenges our members face in this country. Whether that’s balancing family life with work in remote areas, coping with rising living costs, or navigating industries that can change overnight.

We don’t look at these as abstract issues from a distance. We live them. Our members are our neighbours, our friends, our family. That perspective shapes how we negotiate, how we serve, and how we relate to each workplace.

I’m proud that we don’t just talk about values like fairness and integrity, we live them out in how we represent people. Unlike some of the stories we hear from competitors, our focus isn’t on politics or power struggles. It’s simply on helping members succeed in their work and in their lives.

At the end of the day, we’re accountable to the people who pay dues and trust us with their livelihoods, and that’s exactly who I want to answer to.

So today, when I think about what I’m thankful for, working for a Canadian union is right at the top of the list.

It’s meaningful work. It connects me to people.

And it reminds me that—while projects will come and go—the values of fairness, respect, and dignity will always matter both in and beyond the workplace.

Thankful to Work for a Canadian Union

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