The union representing paramedics in B.C. says it is in a position to issue 72-hour strike notice at any time—but would prefer not to do that. Earlier this week, members of the Ambulance Paramedics of B.C. voted 97 per cent in favour of strike action. “The turnout in support showed paramedics and dispatchers strong commitment to improving working conditions and patient care,” said Ian Tait, the union’s director of communications. “I want to be very clear. Job action has never been our goal. Our goal has always been to have a fair agreement reached at the bargaining table that helps stabilize the ambulance service.” Negotiations between the union and the government started in September, and while they continue the health minister won’t reveal much publicly. “The work that’s being done at the bargaining table will stay there, and we count on all parties to come to the best deal for everybody,” Josie Osborne said at an unrelated news conference on Thursday. The opposition B.C. Conservatives later raised the issue during question period. “When you call for an ambulance, it might not get there when you need it. And that’s not the fault of the paramedics. Let me be clear, that is the fault of this premier and this government,” interim opposition leader Trevor Halford said. “Will this minister agree when 97 per cent of the paramedics are prepared to reduce their work to fight for fair and equitable wages?” In fact, according to the union, the issue of wages has largely been agreed upon and settled during negotiations. But the two sides have yet to find common ground when it comes to mental health supports for workers in a highly stressful and trauma-inducing occupation. “We need to secure better supports for all of our members. We’re also working on improving and trying to stabilize staffing throughout the province. Staffing, recruitment, and retention has been an issue for us for many years,” Tait said. An essential service order outlines minimum staffing levels in the event paramedics do take job action. But the union says right now service levels already rely heavily on overtime and staff skipping days off and vacation. “If paramedics under any circumstances decided to take their days off or their holidays, that would affect it. So, our issue is not to get to that point,” said Tait. He went on to add that any potential labour disruption would likely disproportionately impact rural, remote and Indigenous communities.
