Bulletin
Wage Increase for ICBC Employees Set for May 1, 2019
April 30, 2019
To: All ICBC MoveUP Members
On May 1, all ICBC members will receive a 1.75% wage increase, which was agreed to by ICBC and MoveUP in the last round of collective bargaining. This is the last increase scheduled for our existing collective agreement which expires on June 30, 2019. The new wage scales can be found on the ICBC Hub as well as on our website. Please check your pay statements in May to be sure the increase has been applied to your pay.
This increase includes the .75% for the Economic Stability Dividend (ESD) which came about because BC’s economy continued to grow in 2017 and 2018. This was the largest payout from the ESD so far, proof that a progressive government like we have in BC can take care of people and the economy at the same time.
When I think back to our 2014 negotiations, I can say that there was significant skepticism about the ESD. We had no way of knowing if it would actually result in any pay outs, but I am pleased to say that every year we did achieve modest gains by having that provision in our collective agreement. More significantly, it has become part of your regular pay and so year after year, it has compounded to help us keep up with rising costs of living.
The real dollar value of the ESD from 2014 through to now is not insignificant. It has meant that our members receive anywhere from $800 to almost $1700 more in their annual income which is over and above the mandated general wage increases that were set by the Public Sector Employers’ Council (PSEC). The differences depend on the salary band and step each person is on by the compounding effect of the ESD.
I am also pleased to say that on May 1 and 3 we will be starting preliminary bargaining discussions with ICBC. Your bargaining committee is ready to go with a package of proposals that reflect the concerns raised by members in the bargaining survey from January and brought forward by the Job Stewards who help and support you in your workplace.
In solidarity,
Annette Toth
Vice-President