The union representing paramedics at the Essex Windsor Emergency Medical Service is waiting for a decision from the Ontario Labour Relations Board, expected in the next two to three weeks.
This decision will determine how paramedics may proceed with their strike if it comes to that.
CUPE Local 2974 President James Jovanovic mentioned that the ruling on the Essential Ambulance Services Agreement will clarify how much service will be cut during any strike action. Generally, this figure can reach up to 40 per cent in Ontario.
After receiving the ruling, the union can request a No Board report and can legally strike 17 days after submitting its application.
The ongoing labour dispute, which has lasted several months, is about more than just pay. Jovanovic highlighted that key issues include staffing levels and preventing burnout, yet he claims that the County of Essex hasn’t provided an offer that tackles these ongoing challenges. The union asserts that there is a shortage of 50 paramedics within the service.
Jovanovic believes that a 40 per cent cut in services would likely impact residents throughout the area.
“Because we are already experiencing a staffing crisis, as acknowledged by the County of Essex, with frequent down-staffing of ambulances, not enough paramedics to fill them, we feel any reduction will have an impact,” he said.
In response to Monday’s hearing, the County of Essex released a statement.
“The County’s position throughout this process has been guided by public safety and the need to maintain reliable emergency services for residents of the County of Essex, the City of Windsor, and Pelee Island. As this matter remains before the Board and as we respect the bargaining process, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”
Back in February, paramedics voted unanimously in favor of going on strike to support their requests for more hires and attention to mental health impacts on staff. Despite this vote outcome, Jovanovic stated that they prefer not to go on strike.
“We certainly remain hopeful [of a collective agreement]. There’s no paramedic in the province of Ontario who wants to strike,” he said. “As much as we want to avoid a strike, we also feel there’s an obligation to stand up and highlight these systemic deficiencies.”
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