Bargaining
ICBC – Recap of our recent Bargaining Town Hall
March 17, 2026
To: All MoveUP members at ICBC
Thank you to everyone who joined our town hall on February 24. We know bargaining updates matter to you and it was great to see nearly three hundred members on the call.
For those who could not attend, we have prepared a summary of the questions and answers discussed.
Why is bargaining taking so long?
Bargaining is taking longer because we are still waiting for the government to finalize its mandate. We have confirmation on wages and contract length at three percent per year for four years, but there is still uncertainty about the flex allocation.
We are not behind schedule based on past bargaining rounds. Your committee is focused on securing a strong agreement rather than a fast one. With a four year deal on the table, it is especially important to make real progress on the priorities you identified in the bargaining survey.
Do we lose anything if we do not receive a good flex amount?
Securing a fair flex allocation is critical. The government has provided the BC General Employees Union with 0.5% per year for four years. This allows improvements to benefits such as dental, paramedical, and wage redress. The offer provided to other public sector unions has been 0.2%, and not applied across each year, is substantially less and undervalues the work of ICBC members.
Flex funds are used to improve the contract. Nothing is taken away if the allocation is lower. However, these funds are needed to advance the vacation and benefits improvements that members identified as priorities. Ensuring we receive the same funding as other public sector unions is critical for your committee.
Would a BC election affect our bargaining?
The BC NDP currently holds a narrow majority. There is no guarantee they will serve a full term, and an early election is possible. If the government changes, contracts can be impacted. In 2001 the newly elected BC Liberals canceled or altered multiple agreements, which is documented in past reporting.
If the NDP remains in government, we expect stability in the bargaining environment. Our attention to this issue is based on experience and history rather than speculation.
Could the provincial deficit impact ICBC members?
The government has announced plans to reduce approximately fifteen thousand public sector positions. We understand these reductions will target excluded, managerial, and confidential roles, not unionized front line workers.
With nearly six hundred thousand public sector workers in the province, we do not expect these cuts to affect ICBC bargaining unit members. We are monitoring the situation closely with ICBC and government officials.
Will changes to road tests and online driver licensing affect job security?
We do not anticipate layoffs for licensing members because of these changes. Government has confirmed that no layoffs or downgrades will occur. These changes may improve service efficiency but may lead to reduced hiring or natural attrition over time. We have raised these concerns to government and will continue advocating for clear protections for our members.
Is Artificial Intelligence a threat to bargaining unit jobs at ICBC?
ICBC has been expanding its use of AI. We have significant concerns about this and have tabled several proposals to address job security. Protecting members jobs is a top priority for MoveUP.
Will voluntary severance packages be offered across the bargaining unit?
No. Voluntary severance packages have only been offered within Claims Legal Services due to the transition away from tort work under Enhanced Care. No involuntary layoffs have occurred because of these changes and we are working with ICBC to ensure this does not change.
Will gain sharing be brought back?
No. Gain sharing was introduced by a previous government as a substitute for wage increases and was later discontinued, with the value rolled into wages. No party has proposed bringing it back.
Will there be opportunities for lateral transfers?
Both the union and employer agree the current process needs improvement. We have a proposal at the table and discussions have begun on creating a more practical and easier to administer process.
What improvements to remote work is the union seeking?
We have proposed more flexible work from home options and removing the requirement to make up missed in office days such as stat holidays. This is a major priority identified by members and we expect significant discussion at the table.
Is ICBC following the new Bill 11 rules for sick notes?
Yes. ICBC has confirmed it will not request a sick note unless an employee has been away for five consecutive days for the first two occurrences. If you receive a request, you do not believe is appropriate, contact your union representative. We will communicate on this issue specifically soon.
Will there be retroactive pay once a deal is reached?
We will seek retroactive pay back to the expiry of the current agreement with the renewed agreement effective July 1, 2025. We will also seek retroactive pay for all retirees. The final terms depend on negotiations, and we will share details once a tentative agreement is reached.
How can I support the bargaining committee?
Stay informed, read our bulletins, connect with your job stewards, and consider volunteering as a steward if your office needs support. Attending future town halls is one of the best ways to hear updates directly.
Please also make sure your contact information is current so we can reach you with important updates. Strong solidarity across all five thousand bargaining unit members is the greatest leverage we have at the table.
- If you are not receiving emails from us, please fill out our Bulletin Resubscription Form and encourage your colleagues to do the same.
- You can find your local job stewards in the Quick Contact section of the MoveUP Member Portal, which lists stewards by member council area. If you haven’t accessed the portal before, you can find instructions on how to log in here.
If you have questions or concerns about bargaining, email us at icbcbarg@moveuptogether.ca.
In solidarity,
Your Bargaining Committee:
Jeffrey Bryant, Executive Board Member
Brian Martens, Executive Board Member
Ahmad Naqvi, Executive Board Member
Leilah Thiel, Executive Board Member
Lana Topic, Executive Board Member
Sara Colliss, Union Representative
Dimitri Ossinsky, Vice-President, ICBC