Bulletin
ICBC-Comments on Employer’s Vaccine Policy
October 15, 2021
To: All MoveUP members at ICBC
Today, ICBC announced further details of its policy regarding mandatory vaccinations. In particular, ICBC has announced that employees who are not vaccinated by November 22 will be placed on unpaid leave.
ICBC’s announcement does provide some additional information on the date that employees will be required to be vaccinated and the consequences of failing to get vaccinated.
We know that, based on scientific evidence, vaccines are a safe and effective way of combatting COVID-19, and encourage all of our members who are able to be vaccinated, but who have not yet been vaccinated, to do so. We also know that it is likely that employers will be able to implement some measure of vaccine policy in their workplaces. MoveUP supports policies that are reasonable, and which are in the interest of the health and safety of our members.
However, like any employer policy, these policies must be reasonable in the circumstances, and may not be arbitrary or unlawfully discriminatory. MoveUP is reviewing this new policy with our legal counsel, and we will take action if the policy is unlawful. Just as we are relying on scientific and medical experts to inform us on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines, we will rely on legal experts to inform us on the legality of a policy mandating vaccines in your workplace.
ICBC also announced that it will provide more information on how it will accommodate requests for medical or religious exemptions next week. MoveUP will review ICBC’s approach to these requests and ensure that it is not contrary to your collective agreement or the B.C. Human Rights Code. We note that few medical disabilities or religions prohibit vaccinations, but we will review these requests as they arise to ensure they are treated fairly, and our members are free from unlawful discrimination.
Finally, we note that this situation, as the entire COVID-19 pandemic has been, is an unprecedented one. We recognize that this is a stressful time for many of you and are committed to providing support as best as we can to all our members. Our job stewards in your workplace, and our union representatives at the MoveUP office, have been working extremely hard to deal with your concerns. However, they have also been subjected to very intense and, in some cases, abusive conditions. We remind all members that bullying and harassment, including over email or other forms of communication, is never tolerated. A member who is charged with bullying or harassment may face discipline up to, and including, suspension or expulsion from our union.
We will keep you updated as matters progress and look forward to providing you with more information once we have reviewed ICBC’s policy and received legal counsel.
In solidarity,
David Black, President
Lori Mayhew, Secretary-Treasurer
Rysa Kronebusch, Vice-President, Utilities
Christy Slusarenko, Vice-President, Combined Units
Annette Toth, Vice-President, ICBC