B.C. court orders paramedics to work OT

A British Columbia court has ordered ambulance paramedics to abandon plans to refuse overtime work as part of a prolonged labour dispute.

The paramedics have been on strike since April 1 to back wage demands, although essential-services legislation prevents them from walking off the job.

The Ambulance Paramedics of B.C. told its members on Friday that they should work only their regularly scheduled shifts.

The move was designed to counter claims by the B.C. Ambulance Service that there are no staff shortages, the union said.

But a Supreme Court Judge ruled Saturday that the action violates essential-services legislation and must stop immediately.

Judge Mary Humphries said the union and its members must maintain normal and historical availability for shifts.