Paramedics in Chatham-Kent have voted to go on strike, if necessary.
They voted 97 per cent in favour of a strike on Tuesday after talks to reach a new deal fell through following seven days of bargaining, according to the union.
The paramedics employed by Medavie Health Services and represented by SEIU Healthcare (Service Employees International Union) are seeking better pay, increased mental health support, and long-term disability premiums to be paid by the employer. The union said those key issues became a greater concern during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The contract for the paramedics expired on December 31, 2022.
The union said paramedics in the community would still respond to emergency calls since they are essential workers, but other services such as patient transfers and community para-medicine would be halted.
“The public should be assured that with an essential service agreement in place, patients will see no reduction in the level of emergency services that are normally provided by their paramedics,” said SEIU Healthcare Manager of Hospitals Laurie Chapman. “It remains our goal to negotiate a fair contract with Medavie Health Services, but it must address the changing needs and concerns of our Chatham-Kent paramedics.”
At this point, there is no strike deadline and a media spokesperson for SEIU Healthcare said the union and paramedics are hoping to get back to the table "as soon as possible."
