B.C.’s 911 operators, E-Comm heading to arbitration in contract dispute

E-Comm and the union representing B.C.’s emergency call takers are heading to arbitration to resolve their labour dispute.

In a Thursday media release, E-Comm said it had mutually agreed with CUPE Local 873, which represents 533 workers, to the move.

Workers have been without a contract since the end of December last year.

Both sides have been involved in collective bargaining and mediation through B.C.’s Labour Relations Board (LRB) since March of this year.

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“Due to the critical nature of the public safety services E-Comm and its employees provide, the LRB has also been involved in negotiating essential services levels to limit any impacts in the event of labour disruption,” said E-Comm.

2:16 Talking to the “911” people

“Given the process of interest arbitration will result in a binding Collective Agreement, any labour disruption at E-Comm has been avoided and essential services negotiations are concluded.”

The two sides have now agreed on a process to choose an arbitrator, who will work on an “expedited basis.”

The union has previously complained that E-Comm has been unwilling to address key union concerns like low wages, cost of living, overtime, missed breaks, poor working conditions, burnout and high turnover.

E-Comm has maintained it is willing to negotiate and called the union’s statements an attempt to bargain in public.