BC Paramedics Union Reaches Agreement in Principle in contract talks
For Immediate Release
BC PARAMEDICS UNION REACHES AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE IN CONTRACT TALKS
VANCOUVER, BC – February 20, 2026 – The Ambulance Paramedics of BC – CUPE 873 has reached an Agreement in Principle with BC Emergency Health Services, the Health Employers Association of BC, and the Provincial Government following extensive negotiations.
“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.”
From February 2nd to 16th, the union conducted a strike vote after negotiations stalled prior to Christmas and saw limited progress in January. Nearly 80 percent of paramedics and dispatchers participated, delivering one of the strongest mandates in the union’s history.
Throughout bargaining, APBC emphasized the need for meaningful improvements to mental health and wellness supports, benefits, wages, and training.
“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.”
Next steps include a province-wide tour, both in person and online, where details of the agreement will be presented to more than 6,000 paramedics and dispatchers and questions answered ahead of a ratification vote.
For media inquiries, email us at media@apbc.ca.
Ambulance Paramedics & Emergency Dispatchers of BC
CUPE Local 873