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B.C. Paramedics Vote for Strike Action, Need Essential Services Agreement First
More than 6,000 union members voted with nearly 80% turnout to push for better pay, benefits, and support amid staffing pressures, pending a legal strike order.
- On Feb 18, 2026, Ambulance Paramedics of B.C. — CUPE 873 said more than 6,000 members voted overwhelmingly to authorize strike action and will update negotiations Thursday noon in Richmond.
- Negotiations since September have continued between Feb. 10 and 13 with B.C. Emergency Health Services, but the union said talks hit an impasse and the government's offer falls short.
- Using an electronic two-week ballot, the union reported nearly 80 per cent turnout and 97 per cent support, placing workers in a legal strike position once essential services rules apply.
- The union says workers will be in a legal strike position once an essential services order is in place; no strike had been called as of Wednesday and a Thursday noon press conference will provide updates.
- Members cite mental-health and safety concerns and say staffing pressures across the province worsen gaps in rural, remote and Indigenous communities while pressing for improved services, fair compensation, meaningful benefits and stronger support systems.
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14 Articles
14 Articles
Winnipeg Free Press+6 Reposted by 6 other sources
B.C. paramedics vote for strike action, need essential services agreement first
Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada
·Winnipeg, Canada
Read Full ArticleCoverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left7Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution64% Left
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources lean Left
64% Left
L 64%
C 36%
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