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B.C. Paramedics Union Moves Toward Job Action After Contract Talks Collapse

The union will pursue mediation, with January consultations on a strike mandate under essential-service rules.

Overview

  • Ambulance Paramedics of British Columbia says negotiations with BC Emergency Health Services, ongoing since September, stalled before Christmas.
  • The union has begun engaging members on possible job action, including a strike, while stressing 911 responses would continue under essential-service requirements.
  • Leaders plan online information sessions and a province-wide in-person tour in January to test support for seeking a strike mandate.
  • Union priorities extend beyond pay to staffing levels, deployment models for rural and underserved areas, protections against contracting out, and stronger mental-health supports.
  • APBC cites hundreds of vacancies and growing overtime reliance; the employer and the Health Employers Association of BC had not provided a substantive response at publication time.