Ambulance Paramedics gear up for start of contract negotiations

VANCOUVER, Feb. 2, 2012 /CNW/ - The Ambulance Paramedics of British Columbia (APBC) are gearing up to begin negotiations with the BC Government beginning February 7, 2012.

"These negotiations are going to be challenging for everyone at the table, but we are prepared to roll up our sleeves to reach a deal that meets the needs of our members across BC," said Bronwyn Barter, APBC's new President. "Our members are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to British Columbians every day and are hopeful the government will invest in the necessary changes that help both paramedics and patients for the long-term."

APBC (CUPE 873) will join over 47,000 other health care workers as part of the Facilities Bargaining Association as they head to the negotiating table with the employers' representatives, the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC).

APBC members have been working under the same collective agreement since 2001 and are looking forward to negotiating a new agreement with the province. CUPE 873 represents over 3,600 ambulance paramedics and emergency medical dispatchers in communities all across British Columbia.

The government's previous net-zero mandate has meant workers' wages have not kept up with the rate of inflation. APBC is committed to a vision it believes is shared with the Province: a successful negotiation process and new collective agreement that results in family-supporting jobs in communities across B.C.

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Media Contact:
Cameron Eby
Provincial Recording Secretary
Ambulance Paramedics of British Columbia
604 815-7689 mobile