ICBC workers plan strike

Workers at the ICBC claims centre in Salmon Arm and other locations in B.C. are scheduled for a one-day strike Tuesday.

  • Sep. 14, 2012 3:00 p.m.

Workers at the ICBC claims centre in Salmon Arm and other locations in B.C. are scheduled for a one-day strike Tuesday, similar to a recent walkout by thousands of BCGEU members.

A spokeswoman for Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union said 46 members at the claims centre here will walk off the job Sept. 18. The union is governed by essential services legislation, however, so there will be reduced services available.

“It’s a one-day action,” said Sage Aaron, a spokeswoman with COPE Local 378.

“We don’t want to get drawn into fight with drivers. It’s with government and ICBC. We’re asking people to reschedule to another day.”

The union said ICBC has offered a two per cent wage hike over four years at the same time executives got huge salary increases.

About 1,500 workers will be off the job provincewide.

Insurance services will still be available at private Autoplan dealers.

Salmon Arm Observer