*The information on this page will be updated as necessary. Please check back for the latest.*
Key Information for MoveUP members at ICBC
Members of the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) and Professional Employees Association (PEA) who work in the public sector are currently on strike.
These workers are seeking better working conditions, include a fair wage increase, for public sector workers. This will have an impact on our bargaining with ICBC as well as the financial package that is agreed upon in their negotiations will become the template for all unions in the public sector.
How does this affect our work at ICBC?
At this time, the BCGEU/PEA members are selectively picketing different job locations. The Guildford Corporate Centre (GCC) is the only site currently with an active picket line.
MoveUP members who work at the GCC have been instructed to work from home or to work at alternate sites by ICBC management. For those unable to do their work remotely or from alternate sites, they are joining the picket line until further notice.
Will other ICBC worksites be affected?
BCGEU/PEA members have several offices that share a common address with ICBC worksites. At this time, the BCGEU/PEA have not indicated any other common worksites with ICBC locations will have picket lines but that may change.
We will communicate with our affected members if there is a change to their working arrangements as a result of the strike.
*NOTE: If your manager directs you to work from home or to work from an alternate worksite, you must comply. Your manager, however, CANNOT direct you to cross a legal picket line.
Common worksites and picket status
Below is a list of common worksites where MoveUP members at ICBC share an office address with BCGEU and/or PEA members.
Bold indicates full picket lines are up and all entrances are blocked. Italics indicates partial picket lines are up (main entrance picketed but alternate entrance permitted for entry by MoveUP members).
Guildford Corporate Centre (incl. Guildford DLO) — Surrey
Surrey Gateway — Surrey
Brian Canfield Centre — Burnaby
Nanaimo DLO — Nanaimo
West Kelowna Licensing — West Kelowna
132 West Esplanade (Keg Building) — North Vancouver
13571 Commerce Parkway — Richmond
808 Nelson Street — Vancouver
910 Government Street — Victoria
Service BC Centre — Campbell River
Service BC Centre — Courtney
Service BC Centre — Cranbrook
Service BC Centre — Dawson Creek
Service BC Centre — Duncan
Service BC Centre — Fort St. John
Service BC Centre — Nelson
Service BC Centre — Prince Rupert
Service BC Centre — Port Alberni
Service BC Centre — Quesnel
Service BC Centre — Salmon Arm
Service BC Centre — Smithers
Service BC Centre — Terrace
Service BC Centre — Trail
Service BC Centre — Vernon
Service BC Centre — Williams Lake
Directions for MoveUP members in the event of a picket line at your worksite
MoveUP members should follow these directions until further notice:
- If you encounter a picket line at your worksite, DO NOT CROSS THE PICKET LINE. Contact your job steward or union representative to inform them of the details of the picket line and await for further instructions.
- If you have been directed to work from home or at another location by your manager, proceed to do so.
Your manager cannot direct you to cross a picket line. If your manager instructs you to cross a picket line, tell them you need to inform your union and then contact us immediately.
We are reviewing all of your employer’s directions, including any attempts to force our members to cross a legal picket, and we will be taking appropriate action if our investigation shows they are making unreasonable requests of our members.
What is the BCGEU and PEA trying to achieve in their bargaining?
The issues that the BCGEU seeks to address for their members are consistent with the issues that we have identified as critical for our members. This is why it is important for us to support them.
Among those core issues include dealing with recruitment and retention issues, providing competitive wages to support public sector workers facing affordability concerns, and providing fair access to work-from-home provisions.
You can learn more about their bargaining position here.
Standing in solidarity with the BCGEU and PEA members will go a long way towards helping us reach a fair contract for our members at ICBC when we are at the bargaining table. When union members stand together, history has shown we can affect great change and score great victories for working people everywhere.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Will I be disciplined by my employer if I exercise my right to not cross a legal picket line?
No. Your collective agreement offers you protection to not cross a legal picket line of another union. If your employer threatens any form of discipline if you do not continue working despite an active picket line in place, contact us immediately.
We will inform you of when you may return to your work. Please note that if you have been directed by your manager to work from home or to work at an alternate worksite that is not behind a picket line, you must comply. However, your manager cannot ask you to cross a legal picket line. If they do, please contact us right away.
Who to contact if you have more questions
- MoveUP Job Stewards
- Your Vice-President
The Vice-President of the MoveUP ICBC Component is Dimitri Ossinsky, and he can be reached at dossinsky@moveuptogether.ca.
- Your Union Representative and MoveUP Union Office
Visit the ICBC workplace page to find the contact information for your union representative. The MoveUP office can be reached at (604) 299-0378 or reception@moveuptogether.ca.
Next Steps
Strikes and job action are fluid and can change rapidly as events unfold. We will endeavour to keep all of you informed of all incoming pertinent information as we are updated.
If you become aware of any relevant information, please keep your job stewards, your union representative and your Vice-President apprised.
Please also be on the lookout for further updates and advice from your union via bulletin and text message.