BC Ambulance Paramedic Strike Vote Continues

BC Ambulance Talks Paused as Union Conducts Strike Vote

February 6 2026 - CUPE Local 873 continues to conduct a two week electronic province-wide strike vote expected to conclude around February 16.

An estimated 6,000 paramedics and ambulance dispatchers are voting

Unitil then, labour negotiations covering BC’s ambulance paramedics and dispatchers are paused.

The Ambulance Paramedics and Ambulance Dispatchers Bargaining Association (APADBA), represented by CUPE Local 873, represents an estimated 6,000 paramedics and ambulance dispatchers employed by BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS), which operates under the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

On the employer side, bargaining is conducted by the Health Employers’ Association of BC (HEABC), which serves as the accredited bargaining agent on behalf of BCEHS and the provincial health system.

Negotiations for a renewed collective agreement began in September 2025. The previous agreement expired in March 2025, but its terms and conditions remain in effect until a new deal is reached.

The union says bargaining has reached an impasse and has stepped away from the table while members participate in the strike vote. A positive strike vote would not automatically result in job action.

Before any legal strike activity could occur, Essential Service Orders must be issued by the

BC Labour Relations Board for health-sector worksites, and the union would be required to provide 72 hours’ notice.

In the meantime, ambulance services continue to operate under existing essential-service requirements.

HEABC has said it remains available to resume negotiations with APADBA.

Results of the strike vote are expected on or around February 16, 2026.

• BC Ambulance Paramedic Strike Vote Continues