Strike deadline looms for paramedics in Sault Ste. Marie
SAULT STE. MARIE, ON, Feb. 26, 2018 /CNW/ - Unifor sets a strike deadline for midnight on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 for paramedics employed in the EMS division of Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services.
"We are hopeful the conciliator will help us reach a fair resolution for our members before a strike or any reduction in services becomes necessary," said Laurie Lessard-Brown, Unifor Local 1359 President.
Unifor local 1359 represents 54 paramedics who have been without a contract since March 2017. Negotiations have been ongoing since last spring, with a number of key issues on the table, including scheduling, meal breaks, shift premiums, and concerns over contracting out.
Members voted 94 per cent in favour of strike action in November of 2017. These paramedics are not covered by Ontario's Hospital Labour Disputes Arbitration Act.If a tentative agreement is not reached by the deadline, an Essential Services Agreement which would see a reduction in EMS services has already been agreed to the by the parties.
"We are in our fourth day of conciliation with the city and hope that this employer will come to realize that these workers deserve respect and must be treated fairly, with wages and benefits that are in line with other paramedics in the region and in Ontario," said Fred Bond, national representative.
Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
SOURCE Unifor
please contact Unifor National Communications representative Natalie Clancy: [email protected] or (902) 478-9283 (cell)
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