Thursday, October 17, 2024

What a Real Union Should Be

Some say CLAC is not what they consider to be a “real” union because we act differently than other unions. They’re absolutely right

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

You may have heard rhetoric from others in the labour movement that CLAC isn’t a “real” union. We often hear this accusation during a raid attempt or a period of labour instability with other unions. You may have read it on other unions’ websites.

This accusation is often shared by those who really don’t understand CLAC or what in fact is the role of a real union.

I’ve been doing union representative work for a long time and have heard this accusation repeated time and time again. Hearing it can be very triggering sometimes, even when it is coming from a source that doesn’t know any better.

Over the past couple of months, I’ve been reflecting on this ongoing accusation. Specifically, what does the person or organization mean when they repeat it? Why do they believe it? Should CLAC change the way it represents members to address this accusation?

Wikipedia says that a union “is an organization of workers whose purpose is to maintain or improve the conditions of their employment, such as attaining better wages and benefits, improving working conditions, improving safety standards, establishing complaint procedures, developing rules governing status of employees (rules governing promotions, just-cause conditions for termination) and protecting and increasing the bargaining power of workers.”

This is exactly the work CLAC does, and we do it well. Our benefits, pension, training, and other services we provide are second to none. Our representatives and stewards would rival any others. The language in our collective agreements is leading edge with provisions that enhance the lives and well-being of our members and their families.

We continually improve on the work that we do so that our members are better taken care of now and into the future.

If we do all this, then why do others say CLAC isn’t a real union? The reason is because they say we don’t operate or behave the same way as traditional unions do.

If this is their reasoning, then they are absolutely correct. In fact, this is the entire reason for CLAC’s existence—to be different than them.

CLAC was founded in the 1950s specifically to be an alternative to the other unions operating in Canada at the time. Since the beginning, the way we conduct ourselves is different than our competitor unions. It’s something that we and our members are very proud of.

This uniqueness stems from our core values. As our website clearly states, “We build positive workplaces. We bring workers together to create a strong voice in the workplace, and help you achieve a better work life. Our approach is constructive, not confrontational. We talk; we don’t shout.

“Most importantly, we get results. And through it all, we help keep you working.

“Our values of respect, dignity, and fairness underpin how we negotiate on your behalf. We create a positive bargaining climate, seeking win-win outcomes. We embrace open, honest, transparent communication and look for common ground.

“We get you what you need, without risking what you already have. We advocate fair working conditions, wages, and benefits. But we also want you to enjoy your job, to feel valued, respected, and rewarded in your workplace.”

When I see and hear stories of union corruption, greed, and financial support to causes or political parties that don’t represent the interest of their dues-paying members, I am extremely satisfied that CLAC is different, that we offer Canadians something better. I am proud that we continue to be what a real union should be.

What a Real Union Should Be

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