Monday, May 4, 2020

The Promise of Better Together

Nothing refocusses one’s energies quite like a pandemic. This is true for individuals but also for organizations, including unions. Here are five ways CLAC has redirected its efforts to better support you

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By Ian DeWaard, Ontario Director

This week, while sitting down to dinner, one of my kids led the family in a mealtime prayer, as is our custom. On this occasion, she took the time to offer a few words of thanks for dad’s job.

That was a first. But it showed that even 11-year-olds are alert to the gravity and the worry of these times.

Many of you and members of your family are similarly worried about the prospect of job loss or reduced earnings. For some of you, this has already become your, hopefully short-lived, reality.

But without exception, the kind of work that you and your fellow members are engaged in is work that is needed, and will continue to be needed even after this storm clears. From my vantage point, you can take great pride in your stewards and workplace health and safety reps, all of whom have risen to the exceptional challenges that our workplaces have faced in recent weeks to support you.

During this time, the work of your union has become focussed on providing the right supports for you. We have been resolutely putting our energies into finding ways to help you despite the limitations brought on by the pandemic. Here’s how.

5 Ways We’re Working to Support You

Educating and advising – We’re staying informed on a tidal wave of daily developments and information relevant to you and your fellow members and ensuring that your workplace is adjusting to these changed conditions. This includes the fast-changing guidelines for maintaining safe work environments during a pandemic, and helping you understand and get access to federal and provincial support programs you may be eligible for. We’ve communicated new developments to you via email updates and posted all of them on our COVID-19 response webpage, along with additional relevant information and resources to support you at work and in your life.
Defending members – This crisis has presented complications not contemplated by collective agreements. It has created emergency conditions that in some cases, have caused collective agreement rules to be suspended or made inoperative. Unfortunately, it has brought out the worst in some people in positions of authority. As a result, some of you have faced complex workplace disputes. CLAC stewards and representatives have had to provide firm and sometimes fierce representation to ensure that workplace justice and worker dignity are not overrun in these anxious moments.
Advocating to governments – Public policy, regulations, and government relief programs have been developing and changing very quickly. The union’s communications and government relations efforts have gone into overdrive as we work to ensure that your perspectives are understood and considered as the federal, provincial, and local governments respond to COVID-19.
Reshaping programs – Like in the early days of trade unionism, the real strength of collective worker action is in the ability of organized workers to care for each other in times of need. CLAC has been reshaping some programs and redirecting resources so that we can assist those of you who are most affected by the economic shutdown.
Leveraging technology – Very early in the pandemic, we leveraged technology to ensure that even though working remotely, our staff are still available to represent and support you. Limits on workplace access and physical distancing prevent in-person meetings, but the work of the union continues unabated. Negotiations and ratifications continue to be conducted. Grievances continue to be resolved and new concerns due to the pandemic are being addressed with employers. We are also able to provide quick, in-person support for benefits, retirement, and training services.

Whether you are a grocery store worker, healthcare worker, tradesperson, volunteer firefighter, or truck driver, the promise of being better together has never been more real than it has been these last few weeks. What lies ahead in terms of economic impact and return to regular work remains unclear. But together, we’re well poised to take on those challenges—whatever may come.

As your union, we want you to know that you can count on us to support you. If you are experiencing unjust treatment, let your steward or representative know immediately. And if there are any other ways we can help you or your fellow members in your workplace, please let us know.

The Promise of Better Together

5 Ways We’re Working to Support You

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