Ambulance Subsector

The Ambulance Paramedics and Ambulance Dispatchers Subsector Collective Agreement covers approximately 5,790 paramedics and ambulance dispatchers in BC. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 873 represent the employees in the Ambulance subsector. These employees were previously part of the Facilities Bargaining Association (FBA).

Paramedics and ambulance dispatchers are employees of BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS), which is part of Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

Status

HEABC and the Ambulance Paramedics and Dispatchers Bargaining Association (APADBA) commenced negotiations for a renewed collective agreement on September 22, 2025. The current APADBA collective agreement expired March 31, 2025; however, the terms and conditions remain in effect until a new agreement is reached. In January 2026, the union announced that they are stepping away from the bargaining table to take a strike vote. Results of the vote are expected on February 16, 2026; however, a positive strike vote does not automatically mean that job action will be taken. Essential Service Orders must still be issued by the Labour Relations Board for all health sector worksites in the province before any health care union/bargaining association can engage in legal job action. The union must also provide 72-hour strike notice once those Essential Service Orders are issued. HEABC, working on behalf of the Employer Bargaining Committee, continues to be available to meet with APADBA at the bargaining table to address the issues that both parties believe are important.