BCGEU seeks certification vote for Lax Kw'alaams school

VANCOUVER, June 10 /CNW/ - The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union announced that it has filed an application with the provincial and federal labour relations boards for a certification vote at the Coast Tsimshian Academy School in Lax Kw'alaams on Wednesday.

"We are pleased to have filed an application for a certification vote at Lax Kw'alaams," said BCGEU president Darryl Walker. "The employees have demonstrated their support by signing union cards, and we expect the Labour Relations Board to call for a certification vote within the timeframe set out in the legislation."

Lax Kw'alaams organizing committee chair Michele Bryant, a Grade 6 teacher at the school, said that support for the BCGEU certification remains strong at the school.

"The employees at the school want to be able to negotiate the terms and conditions of our employment," said Bryant. "The BCGEU is helping us gain union certification, so that we can form a bargaining unit and negotiate our first collective agreement.

"Our commitment to the students is still the first priority," said Bryant. "School staff are committed to achieving a better learning environment for our students."

The Lax Kw'alaams Academy School in Port Simpson currently employs 42 employees, including teachers, teacher aides, education assistants, custodians, librarians, child care, counseling, special education and kitchen staff. If the provincial application is approved, the Labour Relations Board will schedule a union certification vote within 10 days.

For further information: Chris Bradshaw at 604-291-9611 or 604-209-4129