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The B.C. government has appointed a mediator to help negotiate a new contract after 911 emergency communication workers issued a 72-hour strike notice.
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CUPE 8911, which represents more than 700 E-Comm workers, issued the strike notice on Friday after talks broke down.
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The union has said sticking points are staffing issues, workload and the long-term sustainability of the emergency communication system.
B.C. Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside said Saturday she appointed Vince Ready to act as a special mediator in the negotiations between the union and the Emergency Communications for B.C.
She said Ready was to begin work with the parties on Saturday for a period of up to 10 days to help reach a settlement.
Whiteside added that if a settlement is not reached, Ready will issue binding recommendations on all outstanding issues.
“I encourage both parties to work together with the special mediator, with urgency and determination, to reach a fair and timely agreement,” she said in a statement.
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The workers, who answer the initial emergency calls and provide dispatch services for emergency services across the province, are seeking a new agreement that includes “fair wages reflecting the responsibility and complexity of the job.” They’re also asking for more staffing and recruitment, and better health and wellness supports.
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With files from J.J. Adams
