Emergency Communications Professionals of BC

Emergency Communications Professionals of BC We are a Union representing over seven hundred 9-1-1 operators, dispatchers, IT, and support professionals employed by E-Comm 9-1-1. Account not monitored 24/7.

For emergencies dial 911, or nonemergency.ca for local non-emergency phone numbers.

What does it actually take to keep our emergency communications centers operational right now? It takes a massive, unsus...
05/01/2026

What does it actually take to keep our emergency communications centers operational right now? It takes a massive, unsustainable toll on our members.

"I received 72 text messages in the last 30 days for last-minute shift coverage. Eighteen of them were looking for 2 to 5 staff, and two of them were sent as urgent (indicating no breaks). Sadly, this is normal. We are not staffed enough and require callouts virtually every day for every workgroup."

"Normal" should not mean working an urgent, high-stress shift with absolutely no breaks. "Normal" should not mean an endless barrage of coverage requests when you are off the clock. It’s time for real solutions, not just more text messages.

As we prepare for our strike vote, we are sharing real, anonymous stories from our members to shed light on the harsh realities of the emergency communications floor.

Strike action is always a last resort. We are voting "YES" for fair wages that reflect the responsibility and complexity of the work, protections that ensure adequate staffing, and the provision of meaningful health and wellness supports that keep experienced professionals on the job.

We need E-Comm 9-1-1 and the E-Comm Board of Directors to recognize the critical situation we’re in and to urgently prioritize the funding needed to support frontline staff. We need to strengthen and improve 9-1-1 and emergency communications services to make sure stories like this never happen again.

Show your support: www.911saveslives.ca

Behind every 9-1-1 call is a dedicated emergency communications professional working tirelessly to keep our communities ...
04/29/2026

Behind every 9-1-1 call is a dedicated emergency communications professional working tirelessly to keep our communities safe. But staffing challenges are pushing these front-line staff to a breaking point.

As we prepare for our strike vote, we are sharing real, anonymous stories from our members to shed light on the harsh realities of the emergency communications floor. The quote shared here is heartbreaking. But sadly, it is not an isolated incident.

No one should be denied basic human necessities like a washroom break, let alone be told to "drink less water" to accommodate insufficient staffing.

Strike action is always a last resort. We are voting "YES" for fair wages that reflect the responsibility and complexity of the work, protections that ensure adequate staffing, and the provision of meaningful health and wellness supports that keep experienced professionals on the job.

We need E-Comm 9-1-1 and the E-Comm Board of Directors to recognize the critical situation we’re in and to urgently prioritize the funding needed to support frontline staff. We need to strengthen and improve 9-1-1 and emergency communications services to make sure stories like this never happen again.

Show your support: www.911saveslives.ca

For Immediate ReleaseVANCOUVER, BC – The Emergency Communications Professionals of BC, represented by CUPE 8911, will ho...
04/27/2026

For Immediate Release

VANCOUVER, BC – The Emergency Communications Professionals of BC, represented by CUPE 8911, will hold a strike vote early next month in pursuit of practical solutions to improve the resiliency, stability, and reliability of British Columbia’s 9-1-1 system.

After months of negotiations, the union says it has not been able to reach a new contract with the employer, despite mounting operational challenges that must be addressed in this round of bargaining.

“Emergency communications professionals are the first point of contact for every emergency,” says CUPE 8911 President Don Grant. “Behind every call is a highly trained emergency communications professional working under intense pressure to connect people with help in some of the worst moments of their lives. But right now, our 9-1-1 system is at a critical point, and so are the people behind it.”

Frontline staff are reporting high rates of burnout, occupational stress injuries, and excessive hours driven by staff shortages. These shortages are often so severe that, for extended periods of time, staff are unable to take scheduled breaks or even step away to use the washroom.

The impact is also being felt by the public. Last year, more than 60,000 calls to 9-1-1 exceeded the service standard of being answered within five seconds. On Christmas night, a police emergency call waited more than four and a half minutes for help.

“9-1-1 saves lives, and British Columbians need to have confidence that help will be there when they call,” said Grant. “That means investing in the people who make the system work, with fair wages that reflect the responsibility and complexity of the work, adequate staffing, and meaningful health and wellness supports that keep experienced professionals on the job.”

The strike vote will open on May 13, and voting will take place electronically over a 24-hour period.

“Strike action is always a last resort, but the system only works when the people behind it are supported. We need E-Comm 9-1-1 and the Board of Directors to recognize the critical situation we’re in and prioritize the funding needed to support frontline workers so we can strengthen and improve 9-1-1 and emergency communications services,” added Grant.

About Emergency Communications Professionals of British Columbia:

CUPE 8911, the Emergency Communications Professionals of BC, represents more than seven hundred 9-1-1 operators, call takers, dispatchers, IT, and support professionals employed by E-Comm. With worksites in Vancouver, Burnaby, and Saanich, members provide 99% of the initial 9-1-1 call answer for the province, and answer, triage, dispatch and update emergency calls for 33 police agencies and 40 fire departments across the province.

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This week is Emergency Service Dispatchers and 9-1-1 Awareness Week. Emergency Communications Professionals across the c...
04/17/2026

This week is Emergency Service Dispatchers and 9-1-1 Awareness Week. Emergency Communications Professionals across the country are being recognized this week.

Our members take 99% of the 9-1-1 calls for BC and dispatch for over 70 police and fire departments across the province. Often out of sight and out of mind, we're bringing some of our members' stories into the spotlight. This is just one of the many stories of the heroes behind the headset.

Visit: 911saveslives.com to learn how you can support workers today

04/17/2026

Thank you for this amazing post and recognition of emergency communications professionals across the province Darlene Rotchford MLA Esquimalt-Colwood 🙌! Very important information and guidance.

This week is Emergency Service Dispatchers and 9-1-1 Awareness Week. Emergency Communications Professionals across the c...
04/16/2026

This week is Emergency Service Dispatchers and 9-1-1 Awareness Week. Emergency Communications Professionals across the country are being recognized this week. Our members take 99% of the 9-1-1 calls for BC and dispatch for over 70 police and fire departments across the province. Often out of sight and out of mind, we're bringing some of our members' stories into the spotlight. This is just one of the many stories of the heroes behind the headset.

Visit: 911saveslives.com to learn how you can support workers today

04/14/2026

Thank you, Minister Krieger, for your kind words and for recognizing the critical work of our 9-1-1 operators and emergency communications professionals. We deeply appreciate your support. Our members are proud to be that steady, calming voice for British Columbians in their moments of greatest need. It means a great deal to see our work recognized and compassion acknowledged in the legislature.

ECPBC President Don Grant and CUPE BC President Karen Ranaletta had a productive meeting last week with Minister of Publ...
09/19/2025

ECPBC President Don Grant and CUPE BC President Karen Ranaletta had a productive meeting last week with Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Nina Krieger to discuss issues important to British Columbians, emergency communications professionals, and 9-1-1 services. Looking forward to continuing to work with Minister Krieger on building strong and resilient public services.

ECPBC members were proud to show their solidarity with the BCGEU picket line. Our members stood shoulder to shoulder wit...
09/10/2025

ECPBC members were proud to show their solidarity with the BCGEU picket line. Our members stood shoulder to shoulder with public service workers who are fighting for a fair contract and fair wages to deal with the rising cost of living.

For some of our members, this was their first time on a picket line, and their enthusiasm and positivity were absolutely palpable.

This is a reminder that we all have a role to play in supporting our fellow working people. Whether it's walking the line, bringing coffee and snacks, honking your horn, or just showing up to lend your support and a positive attitude, every act of solidarity strengthens the cause.

We encourage everyone, no matter who you are, to get out and support workers on picket lines because the wins that BCGEU advances will help raise the bar for all working people.

You can find the latest information on active picket lines on the BCGEU website.
https://www.bargainingbc.ca/public_service

One day longer, one day stronger! So-So-So-Solidarity!



ECPBC members continue to respond to all emergencies to keep our communities safe.

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20-1880 Triumph Street
Vancouver, BC

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