Windsor-Essex paramedics won’t be able to strike on Saturday, even though they took all the necessary steps to get ready for one, according to their union.
CUPE Local 2974 successfully asked the Ontario Labour Relations Board for a no board report on July 21, which starts a 17-day countdown after which workers can legally go on strike.
However, Local 2974 president James Jovanovic claims the county hasn’t agreed to sign off on the Essential Ambulance Services Agreement decision made by the board, which outlines what services must be maintained during a strike.
“The employer is objecting to some of the orders saying that they – the board – didn’t have jurisdiction and that some parts were not clear enough,” Jovanovic said.
“So they’ve applied to the board for reconsideration but [are] also objecting to several aspects of it. So they’re simply trying to draw out the process.”
A spokesperson for Essex County chose not to comment “out of respect for the collective bargaining process” and directed CBC to an FAQ on its website.
The county updated that page on July 13, saying it would follow the labour board’s decision regarding essential ambulance service but was still reviewing it.
Jovanovic mentioned he expects it will take a couple of weeks for the labour board to consider these issues.
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James Jovanovic is president of CUPE 2974, which represents Essex County EMS workers. (Jacob Barker/CBC)
The roughly 320 EMS workers represented by this local voted unanimously in favor of striking back in February, which Jovanovic described as a cry for help.
They believe paramedics should receive pay similar to other first responders and that there’s a need for better mental health support.
The union and county met again for negotiations on Wednesday, but Jovanovic said things didn’t go well.
“The employer has reversed course on one of our top two key items that was otherwise already agreeable by them since day two of bargaining months ago,” he stated.
“We were ready to come down on that to their position and then as soon as we agreed to it, they reversed course and withdrew their position.”
Talks between the union and county are set to continue on Monday, he noted.
The union is also ready to announce a new strike deadline on Monday, he added.
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