Health care workers opt to keep 'superior' representation
Chatham (13 April 2007) - The Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) bills itself as a union "based on Christian social principles."
"The word 'Christian' in our name comes from our distinct philosophy that guides our policies and practices as a trade union," CLAC claims. "We believe (in) an approach based on Christian social principles ..."
But don't let the rhetoric fool you. CLAC doesn't allow minor Christian principles – like Thou shalt not steal – to get in the way.
CLAC is well-known for attempting to "raid" other unions while spurning co-operation with central labour groups – such as the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) and the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) – that prohibit the theft of members by one union from another.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) was recently targeted by CLAC in an attempted raid of the office and clerical members of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.
When the dust settled the workers voted to remain with OPSEU but the exercise wasted resources on both sides while bringing no new workers into the ranks of organized labour – the main reason responsible labour groups ban raiding in the first place.
“We are very pleased that our members chose to remain with one of the best health care unions in Ontario,” says OPSEU president Leah Casselman.
“It is unfortunate that this so-called association feels the need to try to steal members from other unions, but I guess that’s why they choose to operate outside the policies of Ontario’s labour movement.”
Steve Nield, OPSEU’s staff representative in Chatham, praised the employees for standing firm in the face of the tactics used by CLAC.
“Our people were able to see through CLAC’s rhetoric and choose to remain with the superior, more powerful union,” Nield said. “We will now continue to build on the strengths of our members and ensure their rights are protected.” NUPGE
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