(St. John’s) – CUPE Newfoundland and Labrador says it is not deterred by today’s ruling from Judge David Orsborn on a matter pertaining to the jurisdiction of the Labour Relations Board (LRB).
CUPE NL. President Wayne Lucas says, “The judge has ruled the LRB does have jurisdiction, in the strict sense, to decide whether or not a transfer of business has occurred at the Western Regional Integrated Health Authority (WRIHA).
“But the same judge also said arguments made by the union that WRIHA is not an employer under the Public Service Collective Bargaining Act can also be pursued at the Labour Relations Board,” says Lucas.
“When we do go before the LRB, we will also be arguing that provincial government legislation passed in May of 2006 to integrate the health authorities across the province, has not even been proclaimed,” says Lucas.
Says Lucas, “The bottom line is CUPE continues to believe there is no legitimate basis for interfering with existing bargaining units at the Western Health Authority. Things are working fine the way they are.”
CUPE, NAPE and the Association of Allied Health Professionals had all been arguing that the Labour Relations Board does not have jurisdiction to hear an application by the Western Regional Integrated Health Authority, designed to streamline the organization and reduce the number of unions it has to deal with.
The Labour Relations Board is scheduled to begin its hearings on the application by the Western Health Authority on April 17.
For information:
Wayne Lucas John McCracken
President, CUPE NL CUPE Communications Rep.
(709)727-2509 (Cell) ( 902) 455-4180 (o)