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'LPNs have decided that their interests as professional nurses are best represented with BCGEU.' - Darryl Walker.
Vancouver (21 Jan. 2010) - Faced with clear evidence that the majority of licenced practical nurses (LPNs) have chosen to stay united with with their current unions, the British Columbia Nurses' Union (BCNU) has asked the B.C. Labour Relations Board (BCLRB) to let it withdraw its membership raid applications.
The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) and other unions had 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. 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 has extended 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 BCLRB to dismiss the raid applications based on their clear lack of support from LPNs. A dismissal by the board 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.
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The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE