The prospect of joining a union may be new to you, especially in your role as a volunteer firefighter. Here are the answers to some questions that you may have.
How can we join CLAC as volunteer firefighters?
To officially join CLAC, a minimum of 40 percent of volunteer firefighters in your department must sign a CLAC membership card. Once this is done, CLAC can apply to the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) to become certified as your union. The OLRB will then hold a vote. If over 50 percent of those who cast a ballot vote in favour of CLAC representation, we become your union.
Who is eligible to join?
All volunteer firefighters are eligible, except for those who are considered management. In some municipalities, station commanders/district chiefs are unionized, while in other municipalities they are not.
Can someone be a city employee, with a different union, and be represented by CLAC as a volunteer firefighter?
Yes. There are many examples in Ontario where volunteer firefighters represented by CLAC are also full-time municipal employees. The city cannot force a volunteer to resign as a firefighter if they are unionized with CLAC.
Can I be disciplined or discriminated against for attending a meeting, signing a membership card, or showing interest in joining a union?
Absolutely not. It is against the Ontario Labour Relations Act for an employer to discipline or discriminate against someone for showing support for a union. If this takes place in any fashion, CLAC will pursue charges through the Ontario Labour Relations Board and stand up for anyone negatively affected.
What happens if/after CLAC is certified to represent us?
We will hold group meetings to begin the process of collective bargaining. We will listen to your concerns and ask what you would like to see in your collective agreement. You will elect a number of your peers to represent you as a bargaining committee and we will enter into collective bargaining with the city. Once we have reached a settlement, you have the opportunity to vote yes or no to the contract. The entire process is democratically driven by you to address your concerns.
What can a union do for volunteer firefighters?
CLAC has gained many improvements for the volunteer firefighters we represent, including increased opportunities for full-time firefighter job postings, fair WSIB and insurance coverage, a grievance procedure to challenge unfair decisions made by management, and a collective voice to stand up for volunteer firefighters' concerns such as jurisdiction and scope of responsibility.
Will joining a union as a volunteer firefighter affect my chances of becoming a full-time firefighter in the future?
You cannot be discriminated against in any way when you apply to become a full-time firefighter as a unionized volunteer. CLAC has seen many volunteer firefighter members successfully post into full-time positions in various municipalities.
How much are union dues?
Dues for volunteer firefighters are four percent of gross earnings/honorarium. All union dues are tax deductible.
Does CLAC represent other volunteer firefighters?
Yes. CLAC is the largest union for volunteer firefighters in Ontario by far! CLAC represents volunteer firefighters in Belleville, Clarence-Rockland, Hamilton, Kawartha Lakes, Midland, Quinte West, and Sudbury. Combined, that is a total of over 1,200 volunteer firefighters!
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 by your department as a volunteer firefighter—you should not participate in any union organizing activity. Any discussion about CLAC, or handing out meeting invitations or membership cards, should be done off work time.
