The Emergency Dispatchers of BC (CUPE 873-02), representing more than five hundred 9-1-1 dispatchers, call takers and support staff in the province, have launched a hard-hitting new video that reveals the challenging conditions these dedicated workers face every day while calling for public support to strengthen the critical service they provide.
In the video, emergency dispatchers discuss the importance of their work and the privilege of providing assistance to people in crisis, sometimes on the worst day of the caller’s life. They also describe recent challenges such as the ongoing staffing shortages that have led to delayed response times for both emergency and non-emergency calls.
Bargaining talks between CUPE 873-02 and E-Comm 9-1-1 are currently in mediation. The union is seeking better wages and working conditions to better support the important work of 9-1-1 operators in B.C.
For more information, visit weare911bc.ca.