B.C. 911 workers vote 95 per cent in favour of strike action amid staffing and burnout concerns

The union representing most 911 operators, dispatchers and support workers in British Columbia says its members have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action, escalating pressure in a labour dispute centred on staffing shortages, burnout and workplace strain. CUPE Local 8911 says 95 per cent of members backed a strike mandate.

The union represents workers at E-Comm, the non-profit organization that handles the vast majority of initial 911 calls in B.C. and provides dispatch services for dozens of police and fire agencies. Union leaders say the vote reflects a workforce under sustained pressure, with long waits, excessive overtime and rising exhaustion across the emergency communications system.

Workers cite burnout, overtime and staffing gaps

CUPE 8911 says members are looking for wage improvements that better match the responsibility and complexity of their jobs, along with increased staffing levels and stronger health and wellness supports. The union argues those issues have become impossible to ignore as demand on the system continues to grow.

Union president Donald Grant said the dispute is about more than compensation alone, describing it as a symptom of a system under immense strain. According to the union, workers are increasingly dealing with delayed calls, high burnout and ongoing pressure caused by understaffing.

No strike notice yet

Despite the strong strike vote, job action is not immediate.

The union says it must first complete negotiations on an essential services order through the B.C. Labour Relations Board before it can legally strike. That process is meant to ensure emergency communications remain available to the public even if labour action moves ahead. As of the latest update, no 72-hour strike notice had been issued.

E-Comm says it is working with the Labour Relations Board to ensure there is no interruption to emergency services, emphasizing that maintaining those critical services remains its primary responsibility.

Province watching talks closely

B.C. Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger said mediators with the Labour Relations Board are also working with both sides in an effort to help them reach a deal. She said E-Comm plays a critical role in ensuring 911 services are available when British Columbians need help.

The two sides are scheduled to continue bargaining in the coming days.

For now, the strike mandate signals deep frustration among emergency communications workers, while leaving room for a negotiated settlement before any job action begins.