Labour Relations Code

The Labour Relations Code governs most aspects of the relationship between unions and employers in BC and protects the rights of employees to exercise a free and informed choice on issues with respect to union representation and collective bargaining. The fundamental rights under the Code state:

• employees are free to be members of a trade union and participate in its lawful activities
• employees who wish to be represented by a union may seek certification
• employers are free to be members of an employer’s organization and have a general right to express their views.

Any conduct that interferes with anyone’s ability to exercise these freedoms is considered to be an “unfair labour practice.” The role of the Labour Relations Board is to interpret the code and to investigate allegations of unfair labour practices and failures to bargain in good faith.

Unfair Labour Practices

The following conducts constitute unfair labour practices during the certification or bargaining process and should be avoided:

• intimidation
• dismissal
• threat of dismissal
• any other kind of threat or coercive communication
• imposition of a penalty
• promise wage increase or decreasealteration of any other terms or conditions of employment