The president of the union that represents paramedics in Windsor and Essex County says he is very appreciative of the public's support at Wednesday's rally outside the Essex Civic Centre.
Unfortunately, CUPE Local 2974 President James Jovanovich says talks inside the Civic Centre did not go so well.
Jovanovich said that while the County of Essex and the union moved closer together on wage demands, the county also backed away from a key point in talks where they had previously agreed.
"I can't get into the details specifically of what that is, but it was non-monetary language that simply helps stabilize EMS," said Jovanovich. "They had been agreeable since Day 2 of bargaining -- and they pulled back and withdrew it."
Jovanovich said the union presented an offer Wednesday morning, and waited until later that afternoon for the response.
The union had expected to strike on Saturday. Saturday marks 17 days since the Ontario Labour Relations Board issued a no-board report and outlined service levels in the event of a strike. However, Jovanovich said the county hasn't followed the ruling, and has asked the board to reconsider.
"The employer has been unwilling to agree to the terms ordered by the Labour Board. They're obstructing the process. They are rejecting the Labour Board's decision, and they're asking the Labour Board for reconsideration on what was otherwise clear and definitive," said Jovanovich.
Asked when the ruling from the Ontario Labour Relations Board could come down, Jovanovich said possibly two weeks.
He also said he may announce a new strike date on Friday.
WindsorNewsToday.ca reached out to the County of Essex for a response.
It issued the following statement.
"Out of respect for the collective bargaining process, the County of Essex has no comment at this time. We have posted an FAQ on our website."
