The prospect of changing unions may be new to you, so you probably have questions. Here are some answers that might be helpful:
How much will we pay for union dues with CLAC?
Our dues are lower than the Teamsters. With CLAC, if you work more than 45 hours per 2 week pay period, your dues will be 1.07 x the regular hourly rate per 2 weeks. If you work 45 hours or less per 2 week pay period, your dues will be 0.75 x the regular hourly rate per 2 weeks.
Here’s what this means in dollars and cents:
1.07 x $24.12 (hourly rate) = $25.81 per 2 weeks
0.75 x $20.47 (hourly rate) = $15.35 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. Unlike your current union, we do 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. We do not require non-working dues.
Has CLAC represented screening officers in other airports before?
Yes, CLAC represented screening officers at the Kamloops airport from 2007-2012. During that time, CLAC representatives from the nearest CLAC Member Centre in Kelowna provided active representation to members in the workplace. CLAC averaged 12 site visits per year, held regular Labour-Management meetings to discuss ongoing issues, filed grievances and had a very good Collective Agreement that was on par with other airport pre-board screening officer Agreements in BC at the time, including Vancouver-YVR. To see a copy of the CLAC 2007-2012 Collective Agreement, please click this LINK.
Ultimately, members in Kamloops opted to change representation to another union in 2012 due almost entirely to the fact that the other union had a local office in Kamloops, while CLAC did not. CLAC still feels to this day that we provided members in Kamloops with excellent representation and a solid Collective Agreement; however, we respected the choice that they made at that time.
What other workplaces does CLAC represent?
We are a multisector union with over 60,000 members. In Alberta, we represent 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 wages, benefits, and compensation will be frozen once CLAC applies to the CIRB to represent you. The company cannot change any of your current working terms or conditions. CLAC would take over from the Teamsters as your union, while everything remains frozen until a renewal collective agreement is negotiated and accepted by the majority of workers.
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.
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. We apply these values in our representation of people from all faiths, beliefs, and backgrounds.
How can I help?
If you think that changing to CLAC representation would make a positive change in your workplace, talk to your co-workers about it and encourage dialogue about the process. We want everyone to be informed and know what is happening. If you would like to become part of the CLAC organizing team, send us an email to let us know.
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 handing out information or membership application cards, should be done off work time (before or after your shift or when you are on break).
What happens to our outstanding grievances?
If CLAC is successful in becoming your new union, we will continue on the grievance process where your old union left off. All outstanding grievances will now be handled by CLAC.
