LPNs stay in BCGEU - Without support of majority, BCNU makes bid to withdraw raid applications

Faced with clear evidence that the majority of LPNs have chosen to stay united with with their current unions, the BCNU asked the Labour Relations Board (LRB) to let them withdraw their raid applications late yesterday.

BCGEU and other unions urged BCNU's leadership to respect the will of LPNs and let them move forward on issues critical to their profession.

"LPNs have decided that their interests as professional nurses are best represented with BCGEU where they can be sure that their priorities will not be over-shadowed by conflicting priorities of other nurses," says BCGEU president Darryl Walker.

"On behalf of the BCGEU, I want to thank LPNs who are building a strong professional future as members of this union," says Walker. "What's important now is that we work together to ensure that all LPNs feel that they have a place in the union and that their issues are being addressed."

Walker also gave special thanks to BCGEU members who worked tirelessly to reach out to LPNs to listen to their concerns and answer questions.

"Many LPNs and other health care workers gave a lot of time and effort to talk to other BCGEU members about the BCNU's actions," says Walker. "It is with admiration and the deepest respect that I thank those members for their hard work."

BCGEU will be asking the Labour Board to dismiss the raid applications based on their clear lack of support from LPNs. A dismissal by the LRB would prevent BCNU from engaging in another disruptive and divisive raid this fall.

BCGEU is focused on moving forward to heal divisions created by the raid and to continue its record of advocacy for LPNs and other members. The union will also reach out to BCNU members to strengthen and repair relationships on the front line of health care.