How can I be sure I would get a better deal if I made the switch away from CLAC?

Workers who leave CLAC and join a real union earn more than when they stay with CLAC. It’s just the facts. Let’s take an attendant for example. The attendant with a real union has an 18.3% higher salary. Their pension is also 2% higher than workers with CLAC. Plus, real unions put workers, not the employer first, which means a more respectful work environment for you. 

Is there any risk to me? Will I get in trouble with my boss?

All the information you provide us will be kept strictly private and confidential. In Ontario, there are strict legal protections for workers who want to join a union. This means you’re protected from retaliation from the employer.   

Is there a deadline to sign up? 

While there isn’t a deadline to sign up for more information, there are some rules in Ontario about when workplaces can change unions. The best thing to do is to sign up immediately. You don’t want to get locked in for years with low wages and benefits.  

What happens after I sign up?

After you sign up, we’ll review your information and have someone reach out to you. They’ll walk you through the next steps on how to get a better deal, specifically to your workplace. Everything will be kept strictly confidential. 

Will my union dues go up?

Union dues are 100% tax deductible. They are relatively low compared to your overall compensation. What you gain from being part of a real union is better wages, health care and dental benefits, and a reliable pension. At the end of the day, you’ll be making more than you would by staying with CLAC.  

Are you based in the US?

No. We’re the Canadian Labour Congress. As in our name and just like our members and affiliate unions, we’re proudly Canadian.  

Who is CLAC? Aren’t they a real union?

We’re not here to debate whether CLAC is a real union. The reality is workers under CLAC make less than those who are unionized with a different union. And it’s time for seniors care and personal support workers like you to get a better deal, a reliable pension, and more respect in the workplace.  

Why is the Canadian Labour Congress doing this?

The Canadian Labour Congress and our members/affiliate unions fight for better wages and better benefits. We think it’s time for home care and personal support workers to get a better deal. For too long, workers at seniors homes in Ontario under CLAC have been earning less than other unionized workers and missing out on other important benefits. 

Q. What are the sources for the data of the comparison table? 

We obtained several CLAC collective agreements from different employers. We compared them to the collective agreements of our affiliate unions. This is where the data comes from.  

Q. What’s the difference between a CLAC pension and a pension with a real union?

Members of real unions belong to the Nursing Homes and Related Industries Pension Plan (NHRIPP).

The biggest difference is that the NHRIPP is a “targeted benefit plan,” focusing on the benefits you receive. Whereas the CLAC pension plan is a “defined contribution plan,” where the benefits you get depends on how well they invest your money.

The NHRIPP shares investment risk with more than 90,000 other plan members. With a CLAC pension, you’re on your own.