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

B.C. 911 call-takers and emergency dispatchers have issued a 72-hour strike notice.

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 says its offer to the union builds on the “significant improvements to wages and benefits” negotiated in the previous agreement. These included increases to employee night and weekend wages by $5 to $8 per hour and “up to $4,000 in mental health benefits per year.”

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.