BCNU raid applications dismissed by LRB

BCNU barred from raiding until fall of 2011

BCGEU is welcoming a decision from the B.C. Labour Relations Board dismissing all raid applications submitted by the BC Nurses’ Union to represent LPNs who are members of BCGEU and other unions.

“LPNs have told us all along that they want to remain with their union where they have an independent voice and an advocate that can stand up for their interests,” said BCGEU president Darryl Walker.

“Today’s ruling, where each of BCNU’s seven separate raid applications was dismissed, showed that BCNU did not have majority support from LPNs in any of the health regions, let alone the whole province.”

Walker congratulated and thanked LPN members for standing by their union, often under intense pressure from BCNU organizers, and he thanked all of the BCGEU members who helped reach out to LPNs to answer questions and promote discussion over the past year.

Walker is hopeful that today’s unequivocal decision by the LRB will give the BCNU leadership an opportunity to reconsider their direction and abandon their divisive tactics in the future.

“RNs and LPNs are vital members of the health care team and it’s important that we all get back to work and face some of the important challenges that lie ahead in health care,” said Walker.

As a result of today’s ruling, the BCNU has been barred from mounting a future raid for 22 months from the date of their original application filed on November 30, 2009.