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CORNWALL, ON — EMS workers serving Cornwall and the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (S-D-G) voted 93 per cent in favour of giving a strike mandate to their bargaining representatives. Over 60 full time and 30 part-time emergency personnel, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 5734, have been without a contract since the end of September 2010.
“We know this employer is not listening to suggestions from their employees,” said CUPE 5734 president Elliott Montford. “This strike mandate sends a clear message that we want progress at the bargaining table.”
“Paramedics are not essential services like other emergency responders, the police and firefighters, and do not benefit from the same conditions when injured. We have requested the help of a Ministry of Labour conciliator because we have not seen any progress at the table,” added Mr. Montford.
“Residents of Cornwall and surrounding communities worrying about emergency services should contact their municipal representatives to let them know that emergency services are a priority that should not be second guessed,” he added.
Outstanding issues include mostly seniority, job security and part-time working conditions.
For more information, contact:
Elliott Montford
CUPE Local 5734 President
613-933-5515
Alison Parker
CUPE National Representative
613-933-5515
Christian Martel
CUPE Communications
647-270-6775 (cell)