Ottawa Construction News staff writer
The Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) is looking to expand its eastern Ontario operations, launching a recruitment drive for a new provincial representative based in its Ottawa member centre.
The position, based out of the union’s office at 38 Antares Dr. in Nepean, will see the successful candidate take on a multifaceted role as a lead advocate for employees in CLAC-unionized workplaces across the region.
According to the job posting, the provincial representative will be responsible for the full spectrum of labour relations, including collective bargaining, grievance handling, and the training of workplace stewards.
Unlike traditional trade unions, CLAC operates on a “wall-to-wall” multi-sector model, meaning the new representative will likely oversee diverse bargaining units ranging from construction and maintenance to healthcare and service sectors.
The role carries significant legal and administrative weight. Key duties include enforcing employment rights, navigating the Labour Relations Board (LRB) application process, and conducting all facets of collective agreement negotiations—from collecting member proposals to presenting final contracts for ratification.
CLAC, which remains independent of the Canadian Labour Congress, emphasizes a “partnership model” of labour relations. The organization notes that the provincial representative is expected to resolve workplace issues with a view toward reducing conflict and promoting stability on the job site.
The union is seeking candidates with a firm grasp of labour and employment law, as well as an “intimate familiarity” with provincial labour legislation and arbitral jurisprudence.
The hiring process for the Ottawa post reflects the union’s rigorous standard for field staff; new hires typically undergo a year-long probationary period featuring regular monitoring and evaluation to ensure they can handle what the union describes as the “rough and tumble” of labour relations.
In addition to member advocacy, the representative will also be tasked with “solidarity work,” aimed at expanding CLAC’s presence in the Ottawa area through local initiatives and the organizing of new groups of workers.
Qualified applicants are expected to have strong public speaking skills and the ability to address media inquiries regarding union policy.
Interested parties can find more information or apply through the union’s career portal at clac.ca.
