Labour Relations Board – Vancouver, BC

Administrative Tribunal Overview

The Labour Relations Board of British Columbia is an independent administrative tribunal with the mandate to mediate and adjudicate employment and labour relations matters in unionized workplaces. Established under the Labour Relations Code, the Board resolves disputes between employers, trade unions, and employees, ensuring fair practices in the collective bargaining process. The Board operates independently from the government, providing impartial rulings on issues such as union certification, unfair labour practices, and strikes or lockouts.

Core Functions and Services

• Adjudication: Resolves applications regarding the interpretation and application of the Labour Relations Code, including unfair labour practice complaints and successorship applications.
• Mediation: Provides assistance to parties in collective bargaining disputes to help them reach a collective agreement and avoid work stoppages.
• Votes: Supervises votes on union certification, decertification, and final offer votes during bargaining disputes.
• Dispute Resolution: Offers alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to settle complex workplace conflicts efficiently.

Jurisdiction and Operations

The Board handles matters strictly related to unionized workplaces in British Columbia. Non-unionized employees seeking assistance with wages or working conditions are typically referred to the Employment Standards Branch. The Board’s decisions are final and binding, subject to limited review processes. It plays a critical role in maintaining industrial stability and promoting orderly collective bargaining throughout the province.

Visiting the Board

The Board’s offices are located at Oceanic Plaza in downtown Vancouver. Parties appearing for hearings or filing documents should adhere to the specified business hours. While the Board encourages electronic filing, in-person services are available. Visitors may be subject to security screening protocols typical of adjudicative bodies. Accessibility accommodations are available for participants with disabilities upon request.