CUPE 8911, who represent over 700 emergency communications professionals have issued 72-hour strike notice.
This comes after months of negotiations have failed to produce an agreement.
“British Columbians expect that when they call 9-1-1, they’ll get the help they need quickly. But right now, the people who answer those calls are being pushed to their breaking point. Public safety is too important to keep postponing solutions,” said Donald Grant, President of CUPE 8911.
The union is asking the Minister of Labour to appoint a special mediator to assist the parties in reaching a new collective agreement.
“We are calling on the Minister of Labour to recognize the urgency of this situation and appoint a special mediator to assist the parties in reaching an agreement to ensure we have a stable and reliable 9-1-1 service.”
In the months of negotiations, E-Comm 9-1-1 and CUPE 8911 have spent more than 20 days in meetings to come to an agreement.
The bargaining began in November.
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The major issues include fair wages, safe staffing levels, and improved health and wellness supports.
Last month CUPE 8911 members delivered a strike mandate, with members voting 95 per cent in favour of strike action.
The parties resumed negotiations this week but were unable to make any progress towards a deal and have now officially reached impasse.
The union says that strike action is always a last resort.
“With wildfire season approaching, the potential for extreme weather events, and increased summer demand, we are entering one of the busiest periods of the year for BC’s emergency communications system,” says Grant. “The time to address the staffing crisis facing BC’s 9-1-1 system is now.”
CUPE 8911 will be in a legal strike position as of 3:29 pm on June 8.
An Essential Service Order is in place and outlines the level of service that must be maintained during any legal job action.“We remain available to continue negotiations, but bargaining has reached a point where outside assistance is needed. There is still an opportunity to reach a fair settlement and avoid any disruption to services, but that will require two willing parties focused on solutions.”