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RICHMOND, B.C. — A mediator has been appointed as emergency dispatchers try to reach a new contract with their employer, E-Comm Emergency Communications for British Columbia.

More than 500 emergency dispatchers, call takers and support staff are members of Cupe Local 873-02.

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A release from the union says the workers are the first point of contact for 911 callers in 25 regional districts, 40 fire departments and 33 police agencies, handling almost every 911 call placed in B.C.

They have been without a contract since Dec. 31, 2018, when CUPE says their last three-year agreement expired.

Mediator Trevor Sones has been appointed by the BC Labour Relations Board.

CUPE says the first round of mediated talks begins Sept. 27 in Vancouver.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 18, 2019.