County of Lambton paramedics heading toward strike position after contract talks break down

RICHMOND HILL, ON, Oct. 1, 2018 /CNW/ - After months of bargaining and conciliation, and after watching their employer walk away from the bargaining table, SEIU Healthcare members who work for County of Lambton Emergency Medical Services have given their bargaining team overwhelming support to do what is necessary to get them a fair deal. With the filing of a "no-board" with the Ministry of Labour, the clock is now counting down to a legal strike or lockout position.

County of Lambton EMS employs close to 150 paramedics who cover Brigden, Corunna, Forest, Grand Bend, Petrolia, Sarnia, Brights Grove, Thedford, and Watford. Some key issues remaining in dispute include bridging of benefits and comparable wages with other emergency services.

"Paramedics encounter situations and see things that most of us can't even conceive of. Post-traumatic stress disorder is an illness that affects a significant amount of our paramedics and to deny them ongoing entitlement to the benefits they require because of their work is deplorable," said SEIU Healthcare President Sharleen Stewart. "We are urging the County of Lambton to return to the negotiating table and engage in meaningful bargaining with our members."

While the Lambton EMS paramedics voted overwhelmingly to support a strike action, their preference remains negotiating a fair contract without having to strike. Members of this unit are planning to attend the County of Lambton's October 3^rd council meeting to try and get the County back to the negotiating table.

"Our preference will always be to negotiate an agreement, but that agreement must reflect the needs of the County of Lambton paramedics." said SEIU Healthcare's bargaining team chair Chris Stolte. "The public should be assured that with an essential service agreement in place, patients will see no reduction in the level of emergency services that is normally provided by us. Patient care is our first and highest priority, but we cannot continue to be taken advantage of by our employer."

SEIU Healthcare represents more than 60,000 healthcare and community service workers across Ontario. The union's members work in hospitals, homecare, nursing and retirement homes, and community services throughout the province. SEIU Healthcare has a strong track record of improving wages, benefits and working conditions for healthcare workers, supporting the training and development needs of its members, and strengthening standards in the management and delivery of patient and client care. www.seiuhealthcare.ca

SOURCE SEIU Healthcare

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