The union representing thousands of ambulance paramedics and emergency dispatchers in British Columbia said a majority of members have voted in favour of strike action.
Ambulance Paramedics of British Columbia (APBC) said Wednesday 6,000 members, or 97 per cent of members, approved of possible strike action.
The union said in a statement the vote sends “a clear message that frontline paramedics and dispatchers are prepared to act to improve paramedic services and supports systems that are much needed.”
APBC said in late January that negotiations with the province were at an impasse and that members ould vote on whether to authorize job action beginning Feb. 2. It said workers would be in a legal strike position once an essential services order is in place.
APBC president Jason Jackson said in a statement that the government’s latest offer fell short of what members need to support themselves and protect their mental health and safety.
The union said B.C.’s ambulance service continues to operate under significant staffing pressures. It 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.
The Health Employers Association of B.C. (HEABC) said in a statement on Wednesday it respects the rights of unions to hold a strike vote.
The statement said the two sides had been engaged in several negotiation sessions over the past week.
HEABC said 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. It said essential service orders for the sector have not yet been issued.
“HEABC’s position is that all health sector Essential Services Orders must be issued by the Labour Relations Board before any health care union/bargaining association can engage in legal job action,” said the HEABC.
