Potential job action at E-Comm has been put on hold after the province appointed a special mediator to help settle a labour dispute with CUPE 8911.

The union issued strike notice last week.

A mediator has been appointed by B.C.'s Labour Minister to assist both sides in reaching a collective agreement.

With the appointment, any potential job action has ceased while mediation takes place, avoiding disruptions to the emergency communications services.

The mediatory will work with E-Comm and the union for up to 10 days to resolve the remaining bargaining issues, with the goal of reaching a new collective agreement.

According to E-Comm, both the employer and CUPE 8911 jointly requested the appointment of a special mediator after negotiations stalled.

E-Comm says the organization's priority throughout bargaining has been to reach a fair agreement that supports employees while maintaining the continuity of critical public safety services.

To see the Minister of Labour, Jennifer Whiteside’s statement about the Emergency Communications Professionals dispute, visit Government of British Columbia.