B.C. paramedics are now one step closer to job action after over 6,000 members of CUPE Local 873 voted 97 percent in favor of strike action. Contract talks between the union and the Health Employees Association of BC (HEABC) broke down before Christmas.
The union is seeking improvements including stronger protections against contracting out, better deployment models for rural and underserved areas, and enhanced mental health support for front-line workers.
The HEABC stated it respects the union's right to consult members but noted that essential services requirements for the health sector must be in place to prevent public danger during any job action. The organization emphasized that essential service orders must be issued by the Labour Relations Board before legal job action can occur.
The union plans to hold a news conference to detail their next steps.