FAQs

Why have you created The Truth About CLAC?

We think that it's important for workers to have the facts so that they can make an informed decision about what union they want to represent them. Most workers only hear CLAC says about themselves. We wanted to make sure that workers had all the information so they could make up their own minds about CLAC.

Who is behind The Truth About CLAC?

The Truth about CLAC? is a project of the Alberta Federation of Labour – formed in 1912 and representing over 144,000 unionized workers from industries across the province.

The Alberta Federation of Labour knows that working people are stronger when they stand together than when they stand alone.

The Alberta Federation of Labour also knows that for unions to truly and effectively represent workers, they must represent the interests of their members, the workers, not the bosses.

Is CLAC a real union? 

The Alberta Labour Relations Board says they are. However, we believe that a union should be judged on what they do, not whether or not they are officially considered one.

We think that unions should represent their members' interests, and that in order to do this, they have to be independent of employer influence. Does CLAC pass the test? We'll leave that decision up to you...

CLAC says that all "traditional unions" are the same — is this true?

No. Every union in Canada has a different approach based on who their members are, how employment treats its workers and the sector they work in. The job a nurse does is very different from the job a tradesperson does, so obviously the unions they have will be different.

CLAC is the odd man out. Real unions do what they have to represent their workers, not the bosses.

CLAC says that unions are only upset with CLAC because they're so successful. How do you respond?

There's no doubt that CLAC’s been growing for the last 10 years or so. We're worried that CLAC is growing because employers are often choosing them to keep unions out. We’re worried that workers aren't given the choice about who represents them.

We believe that if workers have all the information about CLAC, and they’re given the chance to decide, fewer workers will choose CLAC. ?You can read more details about why CLAC has been growing in “The Games CLAC Plays.”

Do you have a question about this website or about CLAC?

Contact us and we’ll do our best to answer your questions.

www.afl.org
1-800-661-3995
E-mail afl@afl.org