B.C. ambulance union to hold strike vote in February

The Ambulance Paramedics of B.C. will hold a strike vote from Feb. 2–16 after months of bargaining, citing staffing shortages and burnout; the Health Employers Association says mediation has been discussed and that Labour Relations Board essential service orders must be issued before legal job action.

The union representing more than 6,000 ambulance paramedics and emergency dispatchers in British Columbia will move ahead with a membership strike vote after months of contract talks with the government. The vote is scheduled to run from Feb. 2 to Feb. 16. The union has reported staffing shortages, rising call volumes and persistent burnout among members. The Health Employers Association of BC says it has discussed mediation with the union and noted that Labour Relations Board essential service orders are required before legal job action. Key facts: - The Ambulance Paramedics of British Columbia (APBC) will conduct a strike vote from Feb. 2 to Feb. 16. - APBC represents over 6,000 paramedics and dispatchers and reports more than 400 vacant full‑time positions alongside increasing call volumes. - The Health Employers Association of BC has indicated support for mediation but said essential service orders must be issued by the Labour Relations Board before legal job action can proceed. Summary: The union says staffing shortages and ongoing burnout are driving the decision to consult members by ballot. The immediate next step is the strike vote scheduled for Feb. 2–16; legal job action would depend on any essential service orders issued by the Labour Relations Board.