S. M. Grant

The applicant union applied for certification to represent a comprehensive bargaining unit of paramedical employees at the respondent hospital.

A group of objecting professional paramedical employees argued they should be excluded from the unit, asserting a desire not to be represented by any union and citing differences between professional and technical paramedicals.

The Board, following its established policy in Stratford General Hospital, held that a single comprehensive unit of both professional and technical paramedical employees is appropriate to avoid undue fragmentation in the public hospital sector.

The objectors' request to be carved out was dismissed, and the Board directed that the segregated ballots be counted.

The applicant union was certified to represent employees at the respondent's new plant when only two employees were working.

Subsequently, two other unions intervened, arguing that the certificate was issued during a period of workforce build-up and should be reconsidered.

The Board found that a significant increase in the workforce was planned at the time of the original application, such that the two employees did not constitute a representative segment.

The Board exercised its power under section 95(1) of the Labour Relations Act to revoke the certificate and directed the taking of a representation vote.