Toronto, Ont. – Sid Ryan, CUPE Ontario president, announced today that he will join striking paramedics (CUPE 3251-PARA) on their picket line in Cornwall, Ontario this Thursday, March 8, 2007.
“It is appalling that the Mayor and City Councillors of Cornwall are treating these highly trained professionals with such disregard. These paramedics work over 40 hours a week in 12 hour shifts, and are faced with horrific tragedy and violence regularly – situations most of us never see in a lifetime,” said Ryan.
“Not only are they disrespecting the paramedics, they are showing a complete lack of regard to the electorate of three counties. The residents’ essential service is considerably reduced by council’s refusal to make a fair and equitable offer, and by their refusal to allow arbitration.”
Local 3251 – PARA are the paramedics and ambulance drivers who service approximately 100,000 residents of the cities and counties surrounding Cornwall. Twenty-two paramedics covering five bases, with the support of eight managers, many of whom have not been active paramedics for many years, are now on the job - that’s 1/3 of those who provide emergency care to the community.
“We’re all looking forward to Sid’s visit,” explained Bob Manny, CUPE Representative. “He’s a strong supporter, and an inspiration to the strikers who are braving extreme cold and bad weather conditions to stand up for their rights.”
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For more information, contact: Wendy Forbes, Communications Rep, Ontario Region - 416-292-3999; Val Dugale, Communications Rep, CUPE Ontario - 416-299-9739; Sid Ryan, President, CUPE Ontario - 416-209-0066