FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 17, 2004
Manitoulin-Sudbury district paramedics vote OPSEU
SUDBURY – Paramedics in the Manitoulin-Sudbury District Social Services Administration Board (DSSAB) have voted over 91 per cent in favour of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union in a representation vote held here today. The vote affects nearly 100 OPSEU and CUPE paramedics employed by the
DSSAB.
On January 1, 2004, DSSAB became the provider of land ambulance services for the districts of Manitoulin and Sudbury, except for the City of Sudbury and the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve. As a result, they became the employer of paramedics for the former ambulance services of French River
Land Ambulance Services, Rainbow North Emergency Medical Service and the LaCloche Emergency Medical Services (Espanola General Hospital). The merger has also resulted in one of the largest geographical service areas in the entire province.
“The members have made a clear statement that OPSEU is the union of choice for paramedics,” said Darryl Taylor, Northern Director of OPSEU’s Ambulance Division. “The paramedics know that OPSEU is dedicated to improving the working lives of those who supply an invaluable service to the people of
Ontario. As a result of this vote, paramedics will be able ensure that this employer continues to provide superior emergency medical services for the people in this area.”
OPSEU represents almost 2,000 paramedics across the province.
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For more information:
Darryl Taylor (705) 698-0203
Ed Ogibowski, OPSEU Organizing Representative (416) 788-9237
