In 2009, Licensed Practical Nurses rejected an attempt by BCNU to absorb us into their RN-focused union through a card signing campaign called a "raid."
But instead of listening to LPNs and respecting our decision to remain in the Hospital Employees' Union, BCNU is at it once again.
They've launched another raid on us and on our union.
Right now, we should be focusing on anticipated changes to our profession – changes that could provide us with more autonomy and open up new opportunities for professional growth.
Unfortunately, we will also have to deal with the reality of yet another costly and divisive raid on our profession that will undermine our relationships on the floor with RNs, and threaten our independence.
In 2009, LPNs rejected BCNU and united behind our bargaining priorities. That's how we achieved increment steps in 2010 bargaining (and for most LPNs this also meant significant wage increases).
As nursing professionals, LPNs have a bright future in this province.
We urge you to stand united once again so that we can defend that future together.
For more information about why the vast majority of LPNs are sticking with HEU as their union, please see our information bulletins, Q&As and other information here.
Latest News
HEU asks Labour Relations Board to finalize raid report (February 17, 2012)
HEU has asked the LRB to finalize this review in advance of a case management meeting on the raid, in order to prevent further delays in the process.
Training fund benefits LPNs with more courses coming online (February 6, 2012)
LPN utilization is moving forward thanks to support from the $2.5-million training fund secured in 2010 through the B.C. Health Education Foundation by HEU, in partnership with B.C.'s health authorities.
BCNU excludes PHSA from list of raid applications (January 21, 2012)
As a result, BCNU has further narrowed its raid on LPNs and the Hospital Employees’ Union. They’ve now excluded the B.C. Cancer Agency, B.C. Children’s & Women’s Hospital and Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children from the list of worksites targeted by its raid.
HEU fights for LPN unity at Labour Relations Board (January 12, 2012)
HEU made its legal submission to the LRB on Dec. 23, raising a number of significant issues with BCNU's application.
In particular, HEU's legal team cited concerns about how BCNU misrepresented itself to LPNs during the raid. As well, HEU questioned the appropriateness of splitting up LPNs.
BCNU raid strategy excludes affiliates representing more than 30 per cent of LPN worksites (November 28, 2011)
BCNU has filed a number of applications to raid LPNs from HEU and other unions.
But as predicted, they left out most affiliates and they did not submit a province-wide application.
Which union has LPNs' professional interests at heart? (November 21, 2011)
Who’s really committed to the future of our independent profession? These are questions some LPNs – especially newer members of the profession – have been asking themselves and members of HEU's LPN advisory committee over the course of the BCNU raid.
What do BCNU's leaders really think of LPNs? (November 5, 2011)
Watch the video to learn more about BCNU President Debra McPherson's opinions on what she calls the "dumbing down" of the health care workforce.