Workers at the ICBC claims centre in Kamloops and other locations in B.C. are scheduled for a one-day strike next Tuesday, similar to a recent walkout by thousands of BCGEU members.

A spokeswoman for Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union said 46 members at the claims centre here will walk off the job Sept. 18. The union is governed by essential services legislation, however.

Eight workers will remain on duty for the day at the Battle Street claims centre downtown.

"It's a one-day action," said Sage Aaron, a spokeswoman with COPE Local 378.

"We don't want to get drawn into fight with drivers. It's with government and ICBC. We're asking people to reschedule to another day."

The union said ICBC has offered a two per cent wage hike over four years at the same time executives got huge salary increases.

About 1,500 workers will be off the job provincewide.

Insurance services will still be available at private Autoplan dealers.