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Peterborough –Facing a noon deadline, Peterborough paramedics occupied the offices of the County’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in an attempt to come up with a solution to avert a crisis in area service.

Last Friday, the county served notice of suspension on the paramedics who are refusing to comply with the mandatory flu shot. The paramedics believe they, like all other workers, should have the right to choose whether or not to have the inoculation.

On Thursday, CUPE Ontario president Sid Ryan and paramedics met with staff from the Ministry of Health and were assured that the Ministry was also interested in averting a crisis in emergency services in Peterborough. However, after discussions with the Director of EMS in Peterborough, it was evident that the direction from the Ministry of Health has been to enforce 100 per cent compliance. Ryan and the paramedics were also told that the County’s CEO directed EMS to follow through with the suspension notices.

The EMS Director indicated that by 6:00 p.m. this evening they would make a final decision on the suspensions.

What this means is that the County continues to gamble with the lives of area residents needing emergency services,” says Ryan.

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For more information please contact:
Sid Ryan, President CUPE Ontario
(416) 209-0066
Stella Yeadon, CUPE Communications
(416) 578-8774