Federal labour board approves BCGEU application for Coast Tsimshian Academy
certification

VANCOUVER, July 22 /CNW/ - Employees at the Coast Tsimshian Academy of Lax Kw'alaams have received approval from the federal labour board to certify as a bargaining unit, the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) said today.

In an order issued on July 19, the Canada Industrial Relations Board certified the BCGEU as the employees' bargaining agent. The bargaining unit includes all employees of Coast Tsimshian Academy, except for the principal.

The academy employs between 40-43 employees, including teachers, teaching assistants, education assistants, special education teachers, preschool staff, counselors, support staff and maintenance workers.

"We welcome the employees of Coast Tsimshian Academy as union members," says BCGEU president Darryl Walker. "We look forward to working with the bargaining committee to negotiate a first collective agreement with their employer."

The board ruling also confirms that the position of vice-principal belong to the union bargaining unit, as proposed by the union. A separate hearing to resolve a complaint by the union regarding the dismissal of two Academy employees, including the vice principal, continues.

Coast Tsimshian Academy is an independent school, located on Lax Kw'alaams territory, 42 km northwest of Prince Rupert, British Columbia.

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