New Certifications and First Collective Agreements

The B.C. Labour Relations Board grants a number of new certifications per year.  The majority involve relatively small employers with less than forty employees.  The rights and obligations of the employer, employees, and the union involved in a new certification are often unclear to the parties involved.  This may lead to problems both during and after the certification process, as well as during collective bargaining for a first collective agreement.

Difficulties are often encountered in balancing the interests of the union, the employees, and the employer while maintaining the employer’s productivity, profitability, and efficiency.

As part of its service to the labour relations community, the Mediation Division of the Labour Relations Board has developed an information program to assist employers and unions who have recently been involved in a new certification.

This program involves a presentation by one of the mediators and is approximately three hours long.  It can be presented to an employer or union, either jointly or separately as desired.

This program is designed to provide general information and assistance.   It is left to the parties to obtain their own legal or specific labour relations advice.

If you are interested in participating in this program, or in obtaining further information, please contact:

Debbie Cameron, Director - Mediation Division & Conflict Resolution Programs
Labour Relations Board
Suite 600 Oceanic Plaza
1066 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6E 3X1
Tel: (604) 660-0017
Fax: (604) 660-1892