The union representing B.C.’s ambulance paramedics and emergency dispatchers will not strike Thursday, but says it’s poised to do so after members overwhelmingly voted in favour of job action this month.

On Wednesday, the Ambulance Paramedics of BC – CUPE Local 873 announced that 97 per cent of the union supported taking job action.

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At a media event on Thursday, Communications Director Ian Tait said negotiations are ongoing, and he had hoped to announce a new deal by noon.

“Over the past week, we’ve also re-engaged with the government and BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS). The discussion started slowly, but we were able to find common ground on several important issues. Talks continued over the weekend throughout this week and earlier today,” said Tait.

“Unfortunately, at this time we have not been able to reach a collective agreement.”

He explained that the finalization of an essential service order means the union is in a legal strike position.

“The final steps before strike action would be filing a 72-hour strike notice,” said Tait, adding that it had not been done yet.

“As of right now, we are not issuing it today,” said Tait.

Members want the government to make investments that support paramedics and dispatchers, he says.

“We can’t keep holding the system together. We need a sustainable ambulance service, not just for ourselves, but for the patients and the communities who rely on us every single day.”

Tait says the union hopes to provide another update on negotiations later Thursday.