FAQs

How much will we pay for union dues with CLAC?

CLAC dues are lower than the USW. With CLAC, if you work more than 45 hours in a two-week pay period, your dues will be 1.07 x your regular hourly rate per two weeks. If you work 45 hours or less in a two-week pay period, your dues will be 0.75 x your regular hourly rate per two weeks.

Here’s what this means in dollars and cents:

1.07 x $22.76 (hourly rate) = $24.35 per 2 weeks

0.75 x $22.76 (hourly rate) = $17.07 per 2 weeks

Here is where your dues will go.

Will CLAC require us to be members in good standing of the union as a condition of our employment?

No. CLAC does not require membership as a condition of employment. There are benefits to membership, such as a discount program, scholarships, awards, etc., as well as the chance to serve as a steward or local board member. However, we represent everyone equally, whether they have signed a membership card or not. Under labour law, you will have to pay dues while working because you are covered under the collective agreement. CLAC does not require non-working dues.

What other workplaces does CLAC represent?

CLAC is a multi-sector union with over 60,000 members. In Ontario, CLAC represents workers in construction, retail, manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and other sectors.

What happens to our wages, benefits, and other compensation if we decide to become unionized with CLAC?

By law, your collective agreement, wages, benefits, and compensation must remain the same once CLAC applies to the labour board to represent you. The company cannot change any of your current working terms or conditions. Furthermore, if CLAC takes over from the USW as your union, all terms and provisions in the collective agreement will remain in place for the duration until a renewal is negotiated in 2022 and ratified by the membership. Your negotiated wage increase scheduled to take place on April 1, 2021, will still happen regardless of a change in unions before or after that time. VRSC and COLA payments will continue as per the collective agreement, regardless of a change in unions.

Can I be disciplined or fired for supporting CLAC?

Absolutely not. It is against the Canada Labour Code for an employer to discipline or discriminate against someone for showing support for a union. If this takes place in any fashion, we will pursue charges through the Canada Industrial Relations Board and stand up for anyone negatively affected.

What can and can’t I do on work time during the organizing process?

When you are on work time—time that you are being paid for by your employer—you should not participate in any union organizing activity. Any discussion about CLAC, or the handing out of information or membership application cards, should be done outside of work time (before or after your shift, or when you are on break).

Why does CLAC have “Christian” in its name?

CLAC’s representation is based on Christian values of respect, dignity, and fairness for everyone in the workplace. CLAC applies these values in our representation of people from all faiths, beliefs, and backgrounds.

What happens to our outstanding grievances?

If CLAC is successful in becoming your new union, we will continue the grievance process where your old union left off. All outstanding grievances will now be handled by CLAC and processed as quickly as possible.