The B.C. Ambulance Service Monday backed off from its threat to go to the Labour Relations Board following rampant absenteeism by paramedics over the weekend. (CBC)

Ambulance service in B.C. returned to normal Monday after a weekend that saw dozens of paramedics book off sick in what the B.C. Ambulance Service said was a job action.

The paramedics' union – which has been involved in a seven-month contract fight with the government – denies there was any protest and says those ambulance workers who booked off were suffering from illness and fatigue

But B.C. Health Minister Kevin Falcon said he views the workers' action as a labour protest.

"Well, it's rather extraordinary, to say the least, when you've got 50 paramedics, with two hours' notice, phoning in to say they're not coming in to work," Falcon said on Monday.

Falcon also said he understands that the province's 3,500 paramedics are frustrated.

Paramedics were looking to get wage parity with other B.C. first responders, demanding a seven per cent raise every year for three years.

The government rejected that demand, and in a bill passed in the B.C. legislature Nov. 8, it ordered an end to the pay dispute and imposed a job contract on the paramedics.

The one-year contract is retroactive to April 1 and includes a wage increase of three per cent.

According to CUPE Local 873, which represents the paramedics, B.C.'s ambulance workers are the lowest paid in the country, with an average wage of $28 per hour, compared to $31.25 in Calgary and $43.27 in Edmonton.

Management calls off official complaint

Since they provide an essential service, paramedics are not allowed to strike by withholding their labour and walking a picket line.

The Ambulance Service was set to go before the Labour Relations Board Monday to seek an end to what it believed was a co-ordinated job action. But as service returned to normal, it called off that plan.

Falcon said the union could reduce paramedics' long hours simply by allowing part-timers to take some overtime shifts.

"If the union is willing to work with us, at the stroke of a pen, we can solve that problem," the minister said.