B.C. 911 call-takers could walk off the job after issuing 72-hour strike notice
Posted on: Jun 06, 2026 08:42 IST | Posted by: Cbc
The unification representing 911 call-takers crosswise B.C. Has issued 72-hour walk out mark, expression they have been unable to reach a deal with their employer, and would be in a legal position to strike on Monday afternoon.
CUPE Local 8911, which represents over 700 call-takers and other workers employed by E-Comm (Emergency Communications for British Columbia Incorporated), issued the strike notice on Friday.
It came after a 95 per cent vote in favour of strike action last month, with the union saying that workers were being pushed "to their breaking point" and negotiations had reached an impasse.
In a statement, union president Donald Grant said that the time to address a "staffing crisis" in B.C.'s 911 system was now.
"We are calling on the Minister of Labour to recognize the urgency of this situation and appoint a special mediator to assist the parties in reaching an agreement to ensure we have a stable and reliable [911] service," he said.
Grant said that B.C. Was entering one of the busiest periods of the year for emergency communications, with wildfire season in full swing and the potential for extreme weather.
The union statement says that it and the employer had negotiated for more than 20 days since bargaining began last November, and that strike action was a last resort.
Workers would be in a legal strike position as of 3:29 p.m. PT on Monday, according to the statement.
It is a non-profit organization that was initially founded in the 1990s to handle emergency incidents in the Lower Mainland.
Since then, that role has expanded to include dispatching services for 33 police agencies and 40 fire departments in B.C., while members answer 99 per cent of initial 911 calls across the province, according to the union.
E-Comm says its workers answered more than two million 911 calls in 2025.
Last year, an independent review of E-Comm conducted by Ernst and Young concluded the province needed to better define the role it plays in the province's 911 system, including potentially taking responsibility for the sector.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.