B.C. ambulance paramedics union to hold strike vote

The union representing thousands of ambulance paramedics and emergency dispatchers in British Columbia will hold a strike vote in early February.

The Ambulance Paramedics of British Columbia (APBC) said negotiations with the province remain at an impasse and that members will vote on whether to authorise job action beginning Feb. 2. Voting will take place electronically over a two-week period, the union said. Once an essential services order is in place, workers will be in a legal strike position.

APBC president Jason Jackson said in a statement this week that the government’s offer continues to fall short of what members need to support themselves and protect their mental health and safety.

“Not only does the government’s offer fail to address the serious challenges we face, but it also doesn’t even live up to what other public-sector workers have already been guaranteed,” said Jackson.

APBC said B.C.’s ambulance service continues to operate under significant staffing pressures. The union is seeking stronger protections against contracting out, improved deployment models for underserved and rural communities, and enhanced mental health and wellness supports for frontline workers.

“A strike is always a last resort, but the status quo of staffing shortages, burnout, and service disruptions isn’t an option either,” said Jackson.

The Health Employers Association of B.C. said in a statement it respects the right of unions to pause negotiations and consult with their members. It adds that B.C.’s essential service requirements for the health sector prevent any immediate and serious danger to the public in the case of any job action.

“HEABC, working on behalf of the Employer Bargaining Committee, continues to be available to meet with the Ambulance Paramedics and Ambulance Dispatchers Bargaining Association at the bargaining table and we are prepared to continue negotiations to address the issues that both parties believe are important,” said the statement.

It also said it has proposed mediation to the union on some outstanding issues.

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