BCGEU files unfair labour practice complaint against Coast Tsimshian Academy

VANCOUVER, June 25 /CNW/ - The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) has filed an application with the Canada Industrial Relations Board today, objecting to the June 1, 2010 firing of two teachers from the Coast Tsimshian Academy. The Academy is located on Lax Kw'alaams reserve lands near Port Simpson, B.C. Reinstatement is being sought for the two teachers.

The BCGEU believes the teachers were dismissed because the employer was convinced they supported unionization, which is contrary to the laws of British Columbia and Canada.

The BCGEU is requesting that the Board reinstate the two teachers and that the employer be directed not to terminate or discipline any other employee for supporting unionization.

The Academy has contested the union's application for certification. They argue that both the principal and the vice-principal should be excluded as management. The vice-principal is one of the two teachers fired by the employer.

The BCGEU has reviewed the facts and believes that the vice-principal was never given management powers and is a legitimate member of the union.

"We are always careful of the division between management and staff in our organizing drives," says BCGEU president Darryl Walker. "There is no question, in our view, that these two popular teachers were terminated because of their support for unionization."

For further information: Chris Bradshaw, or Brian Gardiner, at 604-291-9611