The union representing paramedics at the Essex Windsor Emergency Medical Service is looking forward to a decision from the Ontario Labour Relations Board in the next two or three weeks.
This decision will clarify how paramedics might conduct their strike, should it happen.
CUPE Local 2974 President James Jovanovic mentioned that the ruling on the Essential Ambulance Services Agreement will outline how much service could be cut during a strike. Typically, in Ontario, that number is around 40 percent.
Once they receive the ruling, the union can request a No Board report and legally initiate a strike 17 days after submitting their application.
The ongoing labor dispute has lasted several months and involves more than just wages. Jovanovic pointed out that critical issues include staffing levels and preventing burnout, yet he claims that the County of Essex hasn’t provided an offer addressing these ongoing challenges. The union has stated there’s a shortage of 50 paramedics within the service.
Jovanovic believes that a reduction of up to 40 percent in service will likely impact residents in 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.
Meanwhile, after 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 the matter remains before the Board, and as the County respects the bargaining process, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”
Back in February, paramedics voted unanimously for strike action to support their demands for more hires and better mental health resources. Despite this vote result, Jovanovic indicated that paramedics would 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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