The province and union unveil new interim staffing measures for EHS

Help is on its way for beleaguered Emergency Health Services workers in B.C.

The union representing ambulance paramedics says “interim measures and solutions to help increase staffing,” has been worked out with the province.

The temporary initiative, which takes effect immediately, increases the on-call pay rate from $2 to $12 an hour including scheduled on call shifts.

In a news release Monday evening announcing the changes, officials, including union president Troy Clifford also indicated all overtime and recall shifts worked during evenings or weekends would be paid out at the double overtime rate.

Other provisions involving overtime were also included within the agreement.

The interim measures are in effect now until Dec. 31, or when a new collective agreement is reached, whichever comes first, or it’s extended by agreement of both parties.

A meeting between all parties involved is expected on or before Dec. 12 to determine whether the interim agreement will be extended.

Health Minister Adrian Dix tweeted out his support of the interim measures intended to strengthen rural and remote BC Ambulance staffing.

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