Employment Insurance Board of Referees dismisses Bill 29 EI appeal

The Employment Insurance Board of Referees has dismissed the group appeal brought by the BCGEU and the HEU in relation to Bill 29 settlement payments received by over 2,000 health workers in the Facilities and Community subsectors.

In 2008 and 2009, BCGEU and HEU members received payments under settlement agreements reached with the B.C. Government. The settlement agreements related to Bill 29.

Subsequently, some members were ordered to repay EI benefits that they had received several years ago. Through a group appeal, the BCGEU and HEU appealed these repayment orders.

The group appeal was heard by the EI Board of Referees on March 2, 2010. On March 4, the 3-person Board issued its decision. By a majority of 2 to 1, the Board rejected the unions' appeal.

The Board's decision applies to all of the over 2,000 BCGEU and HEU members who consented to join the appeal.

The BCGEU is reviewing the Board's decision to determine if there are grounds for a further appeal. More information will be posted on this website as it becomes available.