Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

Role of union stewards supported by PSLRB

Stewards must be able to operate in the workplace without interference or intimidation for the union to be effective. A recent decision by the Public Service Labour Relations Board (PSLRB) reinforces the rights needed by stewards to work on behalf of their members.

Stewards–and all union representatives–are protected against employer intimidation and interference under the Public Service Labour Relations Act (PSLRA). Without these protections, the union could not speak up for the interests of its members in the workplace. Enforcing these rights is critical, and the recent decision in the Perka case provides a strong example for all unions covered by the PSLRA.

Protection provided by legislation

The PSLRA provides detailed protections for union representatives and members that prevent the employer from:

• Interfering with how a union runs its own affairs;
• Interfering with the representation that the union provides to its members;
• Imposing discipline or discriminating against anyone because of his or her lawful activities in the union.

The Unfair Labour Practices section of the PSLRA should be consulted for a full view of the protections provided, but the essential point is that the employer cannot prevent union representatives from carrying out their legitimate duties. In the Perka case, the union was able to prove the employer had violated the protections it was required to respect.

Go to the following link to read the complete decision.