The NDP BC government is making is it easier for workers to unionize..Labour Minister Harry Bains introduced changes to the Labour Relations Code Wednesday, and the new “single-step certification process” will allow workers to join a union if at least 55% of employees want to do so..The current two-step process — in place since 2001 — has required at least 45% of workers to sign membership cards followed by an additional vote, restating their preference for a union. This system has been criticized by the current government for allowing interference from employers to occur prior to the vote..Some examples provided by the government are: threats to close a workplace if a union is certified, threats to fire employees involved in the certification process, holding mandatory meetings to influence employee’s decisions on voting to join a union, companies improperly firing workers for attempting to certify their workplace, and more..“Throughout this pandemic, we’ve seen that many people want to make their workplaces safer, provide more input to their work schedules and negotiate better wages and benefits, and they should be able to this without barriers,” said Bains..“The current two-step system can lead to interference in organizing. Under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, workers who wish to collectively organize must not be impeded in any way.”.Under the new amendments no further vote is required for workers to get certification if the 55% threshold is met, as certification is automatic. If between 45% and 55% of workers indicate intent to unionize by signing membership cards, a secret ballot vote will be required for certification..“The nature of work has changed, with growing wealth inequality and new types of precarious and gig work,” Bains said..“Workers want to be valued and they want to have a say. This is about giving workers the choice to speak with a collective voice for fair working conditions.”.Jurisdictions such as Quebec, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island have processes allowing workers to unionize when a clear majority indicates a desire to do so. BC previously had a simplified one-step certification process from 1973-1984, and again from 1993-2001..“My co-workers and I joined the union for better wages, benefits and job security. As a care aide, this means more stability for our residents in seniors’ care,” said Tes Estilo, care aide, Hospital Employees’ Union..“Unions create balance and fairness in the workplace. It’s important to remove barriers that make it harder to become a union member.”.Reid Small is a BC-based reporter for the Western Standard.,rsmall@westernstandardonline.com,.Twitter.com/reidsmall
