THUNDER BAY — The United Food & Commercial Workers union hopes to gain the right to represent employees of the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society.
The Ontario Labour Relations Board earlier this month ordered a certification vote to determine if the workers want to join the UFCW.
According to a transcript of the board's decision, the vote was to be conducted on June 15.
However, a spokesperson for the union has told Tbnewswatch the vote has yet to be completed.
Tim Deelstra said Monday that some TBDHS employees will cast their ballots next week.
Deelstra said the potential size of the bargaining unit is 10 people.
The OLRB, in its June 13 decision, said those eligible would include all employees with the exception of clerical staff, office staff, supervisors and those above the rank of supervisor.
However, the board noted that "it is not clear" whether there is a dispute between the parties as to which positions should be included or excluded from the bargaining unit.
It said "if either party challenges an individual holding a disputed position...such individual shall be entitled to cast a ballot, which ballot shall be segregated and not counted until the Board so orders or the parties agree."
One day after the vote was ordered—and the day before the scheduled vote—the TBDHS asked the OLRB to seal the ballot box after the vote "based on alleged unfair labour practices" committed by a former manager, "including encouraging bargaining unit members to sign a card during the organizing drive."
The society said it planned to file an unfair labour practice complaint.
The board, however, declined to seal the ballot box, saying that is not required under the Labour Relations Act.
The spokesperson for the society, Jack Remus, could not be reached Monday for comment.
Earlier in June, it was revealed that a former manager at the TBDHS, Robin Ratz, had filed a complaint with the OLRB, alleging that her dismissal in May was a reprisal for bringing dozens of issues related to workplace health and safety, and animal welfare, to the society's board.
Ratz's lawyer also claimed that several members of the board recently resigned.
Remus issued a statement saying the society has undergone a change in leadership both on the board and in its management and administration.
But he denied allegations that the organization has fallen short of its health and safety obligations, and said the society "will respond fully to any proceedings that may be commenced" before the OLRB.
