VANCOUVER – After months of gridlock at the bargaining table, British Columbia’s paramedics and emergency dispatchers are officially moving toward a strike vote. The Ambulance Paramedics of B.C. (CUPE 873) announced that electronic voting will open on February 2, 2026, signaling a critical turning point in their dispute with the provincial government.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Core Issues
Union leadership claims the current offer from the province falls short of addressing a system they say is “on life support.” Key grievances include:
- Pay Disparity: Wages and benefits that lag behind other public sector professionals.
- Rural Vacancies: A chronic staffing shortage that leaves many small and Indigenous communities without consistent ambulance coverage.
- Mental Health: A desperate need for better psychological support following record-high burnout rates in 2025.
- Overtime Dependency: A system that relies on mandatory or voluntary overtime just to maintain basic service levels.
The “Essential Service” Reality
- Administrative Action: Refusing to wear uniforms or perform non-clinical paperwork.
- Overtime Bans: This is the most significant threat, as the province currently relies on overtime to fill hundreds of shifts per week.
- Picket Lines: Information pickets designed to raise public awareness without disrupting emergency care.
“Our members are at a breaking point. This isn’t just about a paycheck; it’s about whether we have enough people to answer the call when a British Columbian’s life is on the line.” — Jason Jackson, APBC President
What’s Next?
The vote will remain open for two weeks. If a strike mandate is secured, the union must still finalize essential service levels with the Labour Relations Board before any job action can officially begin.
