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E-Comm provides update following union strike vote notice

April 27, 2026

This morning CUPE 8911 communicated its intention to pursue a strike vote among bargaining unit members scheduled for May 13, 2026. As B.C.’s largest emergency communications provider for 9-1-1 calls and police/fire dispatch, E-Comm plays a key role in public safety. Our top priority is ensuring these critical 9-1-1 services are not interrupted and E-Comm continues to be there for British Columbians in times of need.

E-Comm remains focused on continuing constructive discussions with the Union and in reaching a fair and sustainable agreement that supports employees and ensures the continued delivery of responsive emergency services to the public and first responders, while recognizing the fiscal pressures facing the public sector and our funding partners in local government.

To support continued progress, E-Comm will be engaging the BC Labour Relations Board’s mediation services to assist in working through the final stages toward a renewed collective agreement.

E-Comm’s people are the backbone of 9-1-1 emergency services in B.C. We do critical, life-saving work every day connecting the public with emergency services. Through our work, E-Comm has:

  • Answered over 2 million 9-1-1 calls in 2025, with an average speed to answer of  one second, among the fastest in the world.
  • Consistently exceeded call-answer targets for both 9-1-1 and police emergency calls.
  • Increased our operations workforce and maintained strong retention rates. Overall staffing levels in 2025 and 2026 year-to-date have supported E-Comm exceeding service level targets.
  • Named one of BC’s Top Employers for its transformation efforts over the past several years and enhancements to staff supports available, including up to $4,000 per year for mental health benefits established through the last collective agreement.

We share the Union’s goals of ensuring that E-Comm’s emergency communications centers are resourced to meet our public safety commitments to the public and our partners, and in continuing to support our employees in the essential work they do each and every day.