ICBC seeks essential service designation for specific claims and insurance functions

The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) is seeking essential service designation for specific claims, insurance and driver-licensing functions, loss of which the ICBC argues could put residents at risk should staff decide to strike.

The Canadian Office & Professional Employees Union (COPE) gave notice to bargain on Apr. 21, 2012, a process expected to continue through Apr. 23, notes the ICBC application filed with British Columbia’s Labour Relations Board on Apr. 19.

Therein, ICBC argues the health, safety and welfare of British Columbia residents is threatened without designation for a number of services, including injury operations, commercial claims, estimating, prorate licensing and driver licensing. “Members of the public will suffer irreparable harm without an essential services designation as strike action affects their safety, ability to receive income, disability payments, rehabilitation services and their eligibility to obtain and continue employment,” the application states.

The test for an essential service is a strike poses an “immediate and serious danger to the health, safety or welfare of the residents of British Columbia,” notes an Apr. 23 statement from COPE.

A group of representative workers from the different classifications have been assembled to help counsel for COPE develop a response.

The union is requesting member feedback on questions, including whether or not ICBC has accurately described the consequences of withdrawal of services, and what kinds of measures might be taken to soften or eliminate the danger to the public caused by a strike.

ICBC’s application cites 13 bargaining dates in 2011, and the most recent dates in 2012 were Mar. 29 and 30. In its Apr. 5 bargaining update, COPE reported a number of issues were discussed, but talks hit a snag with the proposal for members to work four days followed by three days off (including weekends).