The union representing ambulance paramedics and dispatchers is considering taking strike action after a breakdown in contract negotiations. The Ambulance Paramedics of British Columbia issued a statement Tuesday saying talks have been in progress since September but broke down before Christmas. “This is not where we expected or wanted to be,” union president Jason Jackson said, in the statement. “Paramedics and dispatchers are more essential to British Columbia’s healthcare system than ever before. We are deeply concerned about what will happen if government fails to take these negotiations seriously.” Because paramedics are designated essential workers, they can’t walk off the job en masse—but operations can be scaled back through measures including overtime refusal. “As part of preparing for potential job action, we are currently establishing essential service levels for paramedics and dispatchers,” Jackson said, in the statement. “This is not something we want, and it is not something the public deserves.” According to the union, the sticking points in the negotiations are wages, benefits, and supports for mental health and wellness. A collective agreement that makes strides in these areas will, the union says, help with recruitment and retention—leading to fewer ambulances sitting empty and jobs going unfilled. CTV News has contacted BC Emergency Health Services, the employer, for comment. This story will be updated when a response is received.
