Edmonton shelter accused of unionbusting

Back in November, I reported that Local 1-207 of the United Steelworkers filed an application with the Alberta Labour Relations Board to unionize the workers at the Edmonton People In Need Shelter.

These more than 100 workers were employed as health care aides and licensed practical nurses by the non-profit, which provides housing and services to people who have severe and persistent chronic mental illness.

The ALRB ultimately approved the application and held a certification vote a few weeks later, during which time, over 80% of the workers who participated chose to unionize.

However, in the first new applications report for May 2024, published last week by the ALRB, we find that Local 1-207 has accused the Edmonton People In Need Shelter of unionbusting.

According to the application, the non-profit recently terminated the employment of two workers, which USW claims was because of their involvement with the union.

The application doesn’t provide the names of the workers who lost their jobs, other than to say that it was “Mr. Herbano” and “Ms. Bayot”.

The LinkedIn profile for a Katrina Bayot says that she worked Edmonton People In Need Society as a health care aide for nearly 3 years, losing their job in November 2023. Apparently, she was employed part-time while she was there and was also working part-time with Covenant Health concurrently.

In the application summary, the union alleged that “the employer terminated Mr. Herbano and Ms. Bayot in whole or in-part because of their support of the union”, and they called the termination “unjustified” and “targeted”.

They also claimed that this action was a form of illegal employer intimidation, which violates section 149.1.c of the Labour Relations Code, with the intention “of warning other employees of what the employer will do to supporters of the union”.