B.C.’s paramedics, dispatchers, and call-takers have voted to ratify a new collective agreement, their union says.

In a news release Saturday, the Ambulance Paramedics of BC (APBC) – CUPE 873 says over 80 per cent of members voted in favour of the agreement, which comes after months of negotiations with the provincial government.

“Paramedics and dispatchers show up for British Columbians every day, often during the most difficult moments in people’s lives,” said APBC president Jason Jackson.

“This agreement reflects the strength of our membership and support we continue to see from the public for the critical work paramedics and dispatchers do in communities across the province.”

The union announced Feb. 20 that it had reached an agreement in principle with the province, two days after 97 per cent of members had voted in support of taking job action.

The ratified agreement will be implemented immediately, the union says, which includes processing retroactive payments.