VANCOUVER — B.C. ambulance paramedics are poised to strike Wednesday after failing to reach an agreement with the provincial government over its demands for pay parity with other emergency workers.

The union representing 3,500 ambulance paramedics issued 72-hour strike notice on Sunday, the same day a report on the contract negotiations was released to Labour Minister Iain Black.

“At this stage a strike appears inevitable,” Black said Sunday. He said the government is now considering “next steps” before the legislature dissolves on April 14 in preparation of the provincial election.

Black wouldn’t say if government was considering back-to-work legislation, saying the ministry of health would make those decisions.

“I’m not going to speculate if that is even under discussion,” he said.

Paramedics voted 96 per cent in favour of strike action last week to push for better ambulance service and obtain fair wages and working conditions.

John Strohmaier, of the Canadian Union of Public Employees’ Union, noted it will be a controlled strike, and essential service levels will remain in place.

Strohmaier argues paramedics are paid less than police and firefighters and are the lowest paid emergency services workers in B.C.

The union is seeking about a four to 4.5 per cent wage increase per year over seven years, but the government is proposing a one-year contract with three per cent increase sweetened with signing bonuses of up to $4,100 for full-time paramedics and up to $2,600 for part-timers.

Canada.com.