ICBC argues union email signature tactic can’t trump employer’s property rights

VANCOUVER – A lawyer for the Insurance Corporation of B.C. is arguing that employees who changed the company’s email signature might be pressuring clients into supporting the union to have their claims adjusted fairly.

ICBC is in B.C Supreme Court asking for an order that more than 1000 employees to stop sending out emails with a pro-union message.

As part of an ongoing job action, the employees altered the bottom line in their work account emails to messages such as “We work, you drive; we both deserve better.”

Almost 20,000 emails have been sent with that sort of message, and lawyers for ICBC argue the tactic has hurt the insurer’s brand.

ICBC lawyer Geoffrey Litherland also says freedom of expression does not put union rights over employer’s property.

The union and ICBC have been trying to reach a new collective agreement since 2010.