The union representing ambulance paramedics and emergency dispatchers in B.C. announced Friday it has reached an agreement in principle with the province.
This comes two days 97 per cent of members had voted in support of taking job action.
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In a release, the Ambulance Paramedics of BC – CUPE 873 said it conducted extensive negotiations with BC Emergency Health Services, the Health Employers Association of BC, and the provincial government before striking the deal.
Talks were difficult, the union says, but the process worked.
“I’m really proud of both sides, especially our union and our negotiating committee,” union communications director Ian Tait told 1130 NewsRadio.
“They stuck it out all day after dinner, late into the evening, and we’re able to get an agreement in principle by finalizing some of the collaborative efforts from both sides.”
Tait says members are pushing for better mental health and wellness supports to prevent burnout and stabilize staffing.
The next steps include presenting the agreement details to more than 6,000 unionized workers ahead of a ratification vote, the union says.