Mediator appointed to 911 operator contract dispute, averting strike

B.C.’s labour minister has appointed a special mediator to help negotiate a new contract for 911 emergency operators in the province, avoiding imminent job action.

Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside said on Saturday that veteran mediator Vince Ready would work with the parties for up to 10 days. She said if an agreement is not reached, Ready would issue binding recommendations on all outstanding issues. 

“I encourage both parties to work together with the special mediator, with urgency and determination, to reach a fair and timely agreement,” she said. 

CUPE 8911 represents more than 700 emergency communications professionals in B.C. employed by E-Comm. The union issued a 72-hour strike notice on Friday after months of negotiations on a collective agreement. 

“E-Comm 9-1-1 and CUPE 8911 have engaged in more than 20 days of negotiations since bargaining began in November 2025,” this union said in a statement. “Major outstanding issues include fair wages, reflecting the responsibility and complexity of the job, safe staffing levels, and improved health and wellness supports.”

CUPE 8911 members took a strike vote last month, with 95 per cent voting in favour of strike action.

The union had said negotiations would continue over the weekend, but members would be in a legal strike position by 3:29 p.m. on Monday.

E-Comm noted on Friday that an essential services order issued by B.C. Labour Relations Board would ensure that 9-1-1 operators, police and fire call takers and dispatchers are deemed essential, so services would be maintained in case of a strike.

Both sides had called on the province to appoint a special mediator to help reach an agreement. 

The union said following Ready’s appointment on Saturday that the planned job action would not go ahead. 

“We want to thank the government for recognizing the urgency of this situation and its assistance in appointing the special mediator and we are ready to move forward with this process,” says CUPE 8911 President Donald Grant. 

“Our priority from the beginning of collective bargaining has been to reach a fair and equitable agreement that supports our employees and the vital work they do, while ensuring the continuity of the critical services British Columbians rely on,” said Greg Conner vice-president of People & Culture at E-Comm. “We welcome Vince Ready’s appointment as special mediator and are committed to working cooperatively to finalize an agreement over the coming week.”

Ready is a renowned arbitrator and mediator who has assisted in thousands of labour disputes in Canada.