Paramedics launch campaign for pension fairness
February
15, 2008 In a joint campaign, OPSEU, along with CUPE, CAW and
SEIU, are asking Ontario municipalities to
support changes to the OMERS pension plan to allow more than 5,000
Ontario paramedics the same pension rights as police and
firefighters. more...
Halton Paramedics making a difference in Central America
January 22, 2008 OPSEU Paramedics from Local
207, Halton, are bringing their skills and care to help children in
Central America. More...
Air Ambulance Dispatch Centre professionals ratify deal
September 7, 2007 Air ambulance dispatchers and
staff at the Infectious Control Centre based in Toronto have a ratified
their first collective agreement.
The 71 full-time and part-time members of OPSEU Local
545 work for the new non- profit organization called ORNGE.
Union members are responsible for the dispatch of
helicopters to highway accidents, and coordination of organ retrieval
flights, as well as infectious disease screening (including SARS) for
all inter-hospital patient transfer services and Critical Care Land
Ambulance transfer in Ontario.
These workers were divested from the Ontario Public
Service in 2006 and began bargaining in June 2007. Union members had
voted 95 per cent Aug. 17 in favour of strike action if their demands
for a fair collective agreement were not met.
“The workers at ORNGE, through their solidarity, have
achieved an excellent first contract, and look forward to providing a
high quality of service to Ontarians,” said OPSEU negotiator Mark
Kotanen.
On
April 17, 2008, as the OMERS Sponsors Corporation met inside, paramedics
from OPSEU, CUPE, SEIU and CAW rallied for fair pensions at University
Avenue and Front Street. Paramedics from across Ontario are campaigning to
have the same pension rights as other emergency services workers including
police and fire. 
