McBride labour dispute goes before board

An unfair labour practice complaint filed against the village of McBride is back before the B.C. Labour Relations Board today.

The complaint filed by the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) concerns the dismissal of McBride public works foreman John Aitken.

According to CLAC and Aitken, the employee was fired over the phone by McBride Mayor Loranne Martin on Jan. 24, following Aitken's attendance at a CLAC union information meeting the previous night.

Martin did not respond to requests for comment.

The right to unionize is protected under the province's Labour Relations Code, said CLAC.

The original hearing on Feb. 3 was adjourned to accommodate McBride legal counsel's new baby. At that first date, it was agreed that Aitken would remain on the village payroll pending the result of the resumed hearing.

The Feb. 3 date also confirmed village employees had the necessary numbers to go ahead with a formal vote as to whether to become unionized. The vote was conducted via a mail-in ballot, which are sealed until the Labour Relations Board's decision on the unfair labour practice complaint.

A Feb. 5 letter to village staff from McBride mayor and council urged employees to vote against certification with CLAC.

"It is the village's preference that its employment relationships with you continue on an individual basis, as opposed to through the collective representation of CLAC," the letter states, adding that it's not because of an aversion to unions as the mayor herself is a steward with the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union. "The village fully supports its workforce. However, if you are to elect collective representation, the village feels strongly that CLAC is not the right representative for this workplace."

The letter goes on to cite a document put together by the Alberta Federation of Labour (CLAC originated in Alberta) calling out the union for "games CLAC plays."

"Will you pay dues to a union that carries on this way? Even an 'affiliate?'" the letter asks.

The same letter also states that employees are are free to vote however they like without fear of reprisal.

"Your jobs are not in jeopardy, whether you have CLAC as your union or whether you continue to deal with the village directly or even seek other union representation," the letter said. "We support your freedom to vote your conscience."

The labour relations board hearing is scheduled to wrap up on Friday.