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Who:
Striking emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who work for the privately operated Southern Victoria Ambulance Service. The EMTs, members of CUPE Local 4226, have been on strike since April 18.

What:
Rally in the Park.

Where:
Perth-Andover (the park is near the bridge in Andover).

When:
Saturday, September 15, 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.

Why:
The New Brunswick Division of CUPE has organized this rally to show its support for the striking EMTs and to communicate to the public the very serious concerns that continue to be unaddressed by either the employer, Raymond Durepos or the provincial government.

When the EMTs are on call, they are expected to work up to 96 consecutive hours. This is, as the local has repeatedly stated, both unreasonable and unsafe. To provide service 24 hours a day, there should be a minimum of two people on every shift, seven days a week. Many ambulance services run directly by the province provide better coverage and higher staffing levels.

The Southern Victoria Ambulance Service takes 750 calls per year from area residents (this is very high compared to most regions of New Brunswick). To ensure adequate coverage, the ambulance service should be staffed with full-time, on-site EMTs.

The message from the EMTs to the community affected by the strike has been consistent: Too few ambulance workers. Too many hours. We deserve better. So do you.

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For more information:
Gordon Black, CUPE Representative,
(506) 458-8059 (o) - (506) 461-4829 (mobile)