Paramedics, ambulance dispatchers, and other emergency healthcare personnel have delivered a strike notice to their employers.
More than 3,600 unionized workers say they will go on strike on Dec. 15th at the earliest.
The union workers are represented by the CSN's health and social services division, and work for ambulance companies across Quebec, including Urgences Santé in Montreal and Laval.
Members of the 15 separate union locals voted in November, with every local voting more than 92 percent in favour of a walkout.
Because these jobs are considered crucial by the government, the ability to strike is limited and essential services must be maintained.
Over the next two weeks the unions and management will hammer out the minimum staffing levels that will be required at all times.
Dany Lacasse, spokesperson for the CSN-FSSS said negotiations were going so slowly that it was not worthwhile to wait any longer to go on strike.
With files from The Canadian Press
