BCGEU confirms single Coast Tsimshian Academy federal certification
application

BURNABY, BC, June 21 /CNW/ - Following consultation with the Coast Tsimshian School Board, the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) has announced it will proceed with a single federal application for union certification at the Coast Tsimshian Academy at Lax Kw'alaams near Port Simpson.

On June 9, the union applied for both federal and provincial union certification. As a courtesy to the school board, the BCGEU invited the employer to choose their preferred jurisdiction. The employer subsequently opted for the federal certification process.

If more than 50 per cent of school employees are shown to support certification by signing union membership cards, an automatic federal certification will be granted - making a vote under provincial legislation unnecessary. The federal board's process should be complete by the end of July.

The BCGEU is investigating the recent dismissal of two teachers at the Coast Tsimshian Academy, following recent news reports that the teachers were dismissed because of their support for the union organizing campaign.

"The BCGEU takes this situation very seriously and we are conducting an in-depth investigation into the dismissal of these teachers," said BCGEU president Darryl Walker. "Workers should not be disciplined or fired for supporting their union of choice.

"We want to assure the residents of Lax Kw'alaams that the BCGEU shares its new members' commitment to ensure that Coast Tsimshian Academy students' interests will always be the first priority," said Walker.

For further information: Chris Bradshaw: 604-291-9611