B.C.’s 911 call-takers issue strike notice, effective Monday

B.C.’s 911 call-takers have issued a 72-hour strike notice and are requesting a special mediator for negotiations.

CUPE 8911, which represents E-Comm workers, made the announcement, made the announcement Friday evening and has set itself up for a legal strike position effective at 3:29 p.m. on Monday, June 8.

In a statement made to CTV News, E-Comm vice-president of people and culture Greg Conner says ensuring uninterrupted public service is a priority amid negotiations.

The E-Comm statement details an offer they’ve brought to the table as well. If accepted, it would increase employee night and weekend wages by $5 to $8 per hour and provide “up to $4,000 in mental health benefits per year.”

Related: ‘Unplanned outage’ caused 911 delays in B.C. Saturday, E-Comm says

The union voted in favour of a strike in May. In a statement, union president Donald Grant said his members were “under increasing pressure.”

“They need an agreement that supports them and stabilizes the system,” he said.

In addition to 911 call takers, CUPE 8911 represents hundreds of dispatchers, IT staff and others employed by E-Comm.

Emergency services will remain intact during the strike, as 911 call-takers