B.C. paramedics claim strike restrictions amount to bullying

B.C.'s striking paramedics say the Labour Relations Board has stepped in torestrict their strike action further.

The 3,500 CUPE 873 members have been on strike since April 1 in adispute over wages, though many remain on the job because of essential service legislation.

Union spokesman B.J. Chute said the latest round of restrictions is a bullying tactic.

"There's two new parts, one restricting communications as well as directing paramedics to follow all instructions of the employer," Chute said.

"Limiting ...how we're now allowed to communicate with our members certainly adds even more restrictions to our strike activities."

The two sides remain farapart onwages.

The employer, the B.C. Ambulance Service, is offering a three per cent hike in a one-year deal. Theunion wants a seven per cent wage increase every year for three years.