Warning message

Please note that this page is from our archives. There may be more up-to-date content about this topic on our website. Use our search engine to find out.
VANCOUVER, BC - CUPE and the other unions at the community social services bargaining table have won a big victory with this Labour Relations Board Decision, says Bob Toop, staff representative for community social service workers.

In a decision issued last week, LRB Vice-Chair Mark Brown disagreed with the Community Social Service Employers Associations (CSSEA) assertion that Bill 61, which established the union bargaining association, cancels all of the previous certifications and collective agreements 250 in total between the unions and the employers.

The LRB further ruled that CSSEA does not have the right to impose terms and conditions of employment on workers.

“Such an action would not encourage collective bargaining, would not encourage co-operation and would not promote conditions favourable to the orderly, constructive and expeditious settlement of the current dispute,” said Brown.

Brown added CSSEAs position “would actually remove the balance that existed under the old structure and continues under the new structure… “

Were pleased with the decision, said Toop. The employers need to be focusing on negotiations rather than attempting to short circuit bargaining at the Labour Relations Board.