OPSEU paramedics stand in solidarity with striking Peel CUPE members
June 6, 2012
OPSEU Paramedics in the Region of Peel are calling on the Region
to treat unionized workers fairly to end two strikes with CUPE 966 and ensure
citizens can access life-sustaining and life-saving services.
The Region’s decision to offer these workers less than non-union workers has
lead them to withdraw their labour to get a fair deal.
Today the Region’s Public Works workers were forced to strike to ensure a fair
deal. This has the potential to negatively impact the health of the citizens of
the Region of Peel.
Besides performing important tasks like chlorinating drinking water, the
striking workers also keep the Regional Paramedic Service running. CUPE 966
members are responsible for the mechanical maintenance of the ambulances and
rapid response units.
The Peel Regional Paramedic Service provides world-class life saving care, but
the Paramedics of Peel Region can only provide that care once they arrive at the
scene of an emergency.
”Without CUPE 966 members to service our ambulances I worry that Paramedics will
be without working vehicles and will be unable to respond to calls,” says Dave
Wakely, President of Local 277. He adds: “when ambulances are sent out to
dealerships for maintenance it always seems to take longer and the dealerships
cannot service any of the ambulance electronics. For the sake of our patients I
hope the Region comes back with a fair offer.”
OPSEU Local 277 represents the nearly 500 Primary and Advanced Care Paramedics
who work in the Region of Peel. OPSEU represents more than 130,000 workers
across Ontario.
For more information:
Dave Wakely, President, OPSEU Local 277: 905-601-3208 (cell)
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