FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 20, 2001

Simcoe County Paramedics Vote OPSEU

Simcoe County paramedics voted overwhelmingly to have the Ontario Public Service Employees Union as their bargaining agent.

As a result of the provincial downloading of Ambulance/Paramedic services to the county, the county's seven Ambulance operations were consolidated under a consortium known as Health Trust effective January 1, 2001.

This consolidation, which effected paramedic employees at ten ambulance bases represented by two unions, required a run off vote between OPSEU and the Service Employees International Union under the provisions of the Labour Relations Act.

The vote was conducted by the Ministry of Labour. The 200 employees cast their ballots 85% in favour of OPSEU.

The provincial government is ramrodding Bill 58 through the legislature, a bill that has very serious implications for all Ontarians with regard to the delivery of paramedic/ambulance services. The outcome of this vote is a clear message of support for OPSEU's position that these employees provide an essential service, and need to be treated in the same manner as police, fire and hospital employees when it comes to the matter of collective bargaining.

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For further details please contact:

Carl Eichenberger (705) 445-6970
Don Stewart, OPSEU Staff Representative (800) 461-0254 or (705) 325-4457