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BCNU's second attempt at a raid on our profession and our union in two years isn't just failing among LPNs.
Most registered nurses don't support their union's raid either.
In a sample of 790 B.C. registered nurses phoned between Sept. 21-25, just 32 per cent indicated they supported the raid on LPNs – less than one out of three. Nearly as many – 29 per cent – were outright opposed to their union's raid and 39 per cent were undecided.
With over two-thirds of registered nurses either unsure or outright opposed to the raid, it seems clear that BCNU members have little appetite for their union's aggressive, divisive – and expensive – actions in the workplace.
The top three reasons RNs oppose the raid are the financial costs, the barriers it creates for improving public health care and the negative impact it has on workplace relations.
BCNU members' reluctance to support their union's raid on LPNs is understandable.
In 2009, BCNU filed six different raid applications to the B.C. Labour Relations Board. And in every single case – province-wide and in individual health authorities – the BCNU failed to achieve LPN support for their raid. All six applications were dismissed. This fact also calls into serious question BCNU claims as to the number of cards signed in 2009.
And based on our outreach to LPNs over the last few weeks, it's clear that their raid on our profession is failing again in 2011.
It's no surprise that many of our RN colleagues are wondering why BCNU continues to waste their union dues.
In addition, this raid has isolated the BCNU membership from other unions – even other unions that represent RNs.
Last month, BCNU was forced to leave the Canadian Federation of Nurses' Unions over their decision to continue their raid on HEU and other unions. They're already banned from participating in local labour council, BC Federation of Labour and Canadian Labour Congress activities because of their actions.
As LPNs, we are determined to keep moving our profession forward. We support a mutually respectful – but independent – relationship with RNs and their union.
Our union – the HEU – is working with LPNs to make sure our voices are heard as we address changes that are coming to our regulation under the Health Professions Act – and as we prepare for another round of bargaining.
We hope that our valued colleagues in BCNU can convince their union to respect our independence.