Saying contract talks have flat-lined, the union that represents paramedics at the Essex Windsor EMS says it's applying for conciliation.
In a brief tweet on X, CUPE Local 2974 stated, "The status quo is not sustainable. This process will now move ahead."
Earlier this month, paramedics voted 100 per cent in favour of strike action to back demands at the bargaining table.
The two sides returned to the bargaining table on Monday, and the union provided the update on Wednesday.
The union claims the service is short-staffed by 50 paramedics, and without that complement, ambulances are regularly left unstaffed and unable to respond to emergencies.
The shortage of paramedics is a problem across Ontario.
CUPE Local 2974 also said the staff shortage has taken a toll on paramedics, with many reporting mental health challenges.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Windsor and the University of Toronto found that a quarter of paramedics suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, just over a quarter experience insomnia, and nine per cent had suicidal thoughts in the past two weeks.
