The B.C. paramedics union says it has reached an agreement in principle with the province after union members returned a strike vote last week.
CUPE Local 873 members of the Ambulance Paramedics of B.C. say 80 per cent of membership participated in the vote in mid-February after talks stalled earlier in January.
Details of the agreement were not immediately available, but union officials expressed satisfaction with what they will be able to present to membership for ratification.
“This is where we wanted to be,” says APBC President Jason Jackson. “Our members showed overwhelming unity with a 97 percent strike vote, and that solidarity directly helped bring all parties together to reach a deal.”
The last collective agreement between the paramedics union and the Health Employers Association of B.C. ended in March 2025.
Key issues in contract negotiations include meaningful improvements to mental health and wellness supports, benefits, wages, and training, according to the union.
“Our members made it clear how dedicated they are to their profession and how important a stable ambulance service is for our members and our patients,” Jackson said. “We needed improvements that help us better care for the public and ensure proper support when our members are injured or struggling.
“These negotiations were difficult, but the process worked. This is an agreement our members can be proud of that will ensure improved service delivery and a more stable ambulance service for British Columbians.”
The union says it will conduct a province-wide tour to meet with over 6,000 members ahead of a ratification vote.