A meeting with a conciliator didn't result in a new collective agreement for paramedics at Essex Windsor EMS, and with no future talks planned with the County of Essex, it is increasingly likely that some paramedics will walk off the job this summer.
That meeting was last Wednesday.
The president of CUPE Local 2974 said that, unlike police and firefighters, paramedics can hold a limited strike even though they're considered an essential service.
"We can have a reduction of service," said James Jovanovic. "It's generally limited so that way it doesn't pose any danger to the public, but there will likely be a reduction of service of an approximate percentage of 20 to 40 per cent."
Until a report comes back from the Labour Board, Jovanovic can't say how many paramedics could strike.
He said his members are frustrated, but the union will do everything it can to avoid a work stoppage.
"We want to continue to serve the people of Windsor and Essex County so that they have safe and reliable EMS services," said Jovanovic. "We'll do everything we can to make sure no Essex County resident is placed in harm's way. However, the current system is unsustainable, and something needs to change."
After the first meeting with a conciliator a few weeks ago, Jovanovic said county council was supposed to get an update on the labour dispute, except Chief Justin Lammers was told not to attend.
The dispute centres around working conditions and staffing. The union said in February that the service is short 50 paramedics. Independent research found a quarter of paramedics suffer post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, while 28 per cent experience trouble sleeping. Nine per cent reported suicidal thoughts in the previous two weeks.
Paramedics voted 100 per cent in favour of strike action earlier this year to back their union's demands.
