OPSEU paramedics stand in solidarity with striking Peel CUPE members

TORONTO, June 6, 2012 /CNW/ - The union representing Paramedics in the Region of Peel is calling on the Region to treat unionized workers fairly to end two strikes with CUPE 966 and ensure citizens can access life-sustaining and life-saving services.

The Region's decision to offer these workers less than non-union workers has lead them to withdraw their labour to get a fair deal.

Today the Region's Public Works workers were forced to strike to ensure a fair deal.

This has the potential to negatively impact the health of the citizens of the Region of Peel.

Besides performing important tasks like chlorinating drinking water, the striking workers also keep the Regional Paramedic Service running. CUPE 966 members are responsible for the mechanical maintenance of the ambulances and rapid response units.

The Peel Regional Paramedic Service provides world-class life saving care, but the Paramedics of Peel Region can only provide that care once they arrive at the scene of an emergency.

"Without CUPE 966 members to service our ambulances I worry that Paramedics will be without working vehicles and will be unable to respond to calls," says Dave Wakely, President of Local 277. He adds: "when ambulances are sent out to dealerships for maintenance it always seems to take longer and the dealerships cannot service any of the ambulance electronics. For the sake of our patients I hope the Region comes back with a fair offer."

OPSEU Local 277 represents the nearly 500 Primary and Advanced Care Paramedics who work in the Region of Peel.  OPSEU represents more than 130,000 workers across Ontario.

Dave Wakely, President, OPSEU Local 277:  905-601-3208 (cell)