B.C. paramedics vote 97% in favour of strike action.

More than 6,000 CUPE Local 873 members voted 97% in favour of strike action; the employer says Essential Service Orders from the Labour Relations Board are still outstanding.

B.C. paramedics have voted in favour of possible job action while contract talks remain unresolved. More than 6,000 members of CUPE Local 873 took part in the vote and 97% supported strike action. Negotiations between the union and the Health Employees Association of BC broke down before Christmas. The union says it is seeking protections against contracting out, different deployment models for underserved and rural areas, and stronger mental-health supports for frontline workers. Key facts: - CUPE Local 873 reports over 6,000 members voted and 97% supported strike action. - Contract negotiations with the Health Employees Association of BC collapsed before Christmas. - The union listed priorities including protections against contracting out, changes to deployment in underserved and rural areas, and enhanced mental-health supports. - HEABC said Essential Service Orders for the health sector, including BC Emergency Health Services, are still outstanding and that those orders must be issued by the Labour Relations Board before legal job action can proceed; HEABC also said it remains committed to continuing negotiations. Summary: The vote moves the union closer to formal job action while legal limits remain in place. A union news conference is scheduled for Thursday to outline next steps. The status of Labour Relations Board-issued Essential Service Orders will affect whether legal job action can proceed.