Paramedics from around the province will demonstrate in Vancouver and Victoria tomorrow to send a message to their employer.
John Strohmaier, President of CUPE Local 873 stated,
This rally is being organized to precede bargaining. Paramedics want to make it clear that they want resolution to workplace problems such as excessive hours of work, wages, and licensing issues.
Strohmaier says these demonstrations in Vancouver and Victoria should be considered a loud and clear message to government and the employer; The 42-hour workweek, career ending injuries and the archaic licensing regulations must be eradicated in this contract, said Strohmaier.
Expected speakers at the rallies are; In Vancouver, Jim Sinclair, President of the BC Federation of Labour; In Victoria, speakers will include Colin Graham, Secretary-Treasurer of the Victoria and District Labour Council.
The Vancouver rally will leave 181 West 7th Avenue at 11:00 a.m. and proceed to 601 West Broadway, the regional headquarters of the BC Ambulance Service (BCAS).
In Victoria, the Ambulance Paramedics will proceed simultaneously from the Memorial Arena to 1810 Blanchard Street, the Provincial Headquarters for the BCAS.
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Information:
John Strohmaier, (604) 728-2741or
Louise Leclair, (604) 454-4711