Union for 4,600 ICBC workers issues 72-hour strike notice towards job action

VANCOUVER – The union representing 4,600 workers at the Insurance Corporation of B.C. has issued a 72-hour strike notice.

But instead of launching a full-scale strike, the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union says it plans a series of targeted job actions starting with an overtime ban July 6.

The union members voted 87 per cent in favour of strike action earlier this year, but ICBC went to the Labour Relations Board asking that the workers be declared an essential service.

The board ruled the union could take limited job action while it sorts out what is and isn’t essential for the corporation, which insures all B.C. drivers.

COPE Union local 378 vice president Jeff Gillies says members have been working without an agreement for two years and ICBC expects them to go five years without a wage increase.

Gillies says his members want to negotiate work-load issues, and are asking for a cost-of-living wage increase plus a small percentage along with improved benefits.