Saskatoon Twin Charities Inc., o/a City Centre Bingo v Service Employees International Union (SEIU)-WEST

Background:
The case involved a judicial review application by Saskatoon Twin Charities Inc., operating as City Centre Bingo, after the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board dismissed a decertification application regarding SEIU-West’s representation of a bargaining unit. The Board found the employer had engaged in unfair labour practices, including withholding employee information and granting wage increases during a statutory freeze period under The Saskatchewan Employment Act.

Legal Issues:
The court addressed two key issues:

1. Whether the Board's decision to dismiss the decertification application was valid.
2. Whether an interim stay should be granted to preserve unopened ballots from a representation vote, which the Board ordered to be destroyed.

Court's Decision:
The court granted an interim stay to preserve the unopened ballots, reasoning that their destruction could cause irreparable harm to the decertification process. The employer’s judicial review application raised a serious issue, particularly regarding the alleged unfair labour practices impacting employee decision-making.

Costs:
The court awarded costs for the interim application to Saskatoon Twin Charities Inc., but they were not immediately payable. The total monetary award or costs were not specified in the document.

Outcome:
The court maintained the status quo, ensuring the unopened ballots remained preserved pending the judicial review's resolution. This decision emphasized justice and equity while preventing potential irreversible harm to the union representation process.