BAC Prevails in Long-Awaited OLRB Decision

After years of litigation, on May 2, 2001, the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) issued its decision in the damages phase of the cases between the International Union (BAC) and eleven Ontario Locals (BACU). Although BACU had claimed almost $12 million dollars in damages, the OLRB ruled that no damages are to be paid by either party. The Board ruled that the OPC and the eleven Local Unions are still affiliates of the IU.

In an earlier September 2000 decision, the OLRB held that the Ontario Provincial Conference (OPC) of the IU could not be used as a vehicle to create another union (BACU).

In its recent decision, the OLRB ruled that all Ontario members who were members of IU Locals in October 1998 are still IU members, as the IU had argued. Furthermore, all those who have joined any IU Local or BACU since October 1998 can join the IU on or before August 31, 2001, without further initiation fees or dues beyond those payable on or after June 1, 2001.

Finally, consistent with its earlier decisions, the Board declared that the OPC of the IU is the Employer Bargaining Agency and that the IU is an Affiliated Bargaining Agent in Ontario.

The IU hopes that the healing process can begin. It believes that all the money spent on lawyers can be better used for the benefit of members in the future years.