Strike could mean a 20 per cent reduction in paramedic service across Windsor-Essex and Pelee Island.
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The union that represents hundreds of paramedics across Windsor-Essex has set a strike deadline in October as frustration grows over contract negotiations.
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CUPE Local 2974, which represents about 320 paramedics, said its members could walk off the job just after midnight Monday, Oct. 5 if a new deal cannot be reached with the County of Essex.
It would be the first region-wide paramedic strike in local history.
“Let us be clear: we do not seek a strike,” said union president James Jovanovic in a statement. “We seek a fair collective agreement that stabilizes Essex-Windsor EMS, improves the recruitment and retention of qualified paramedics, and protects the emergency medical service our community depends upon.”
Under an essential-services ruling by the Ontario Labour Relations Board, the union said a strike could mean a 20 per cent reduction in paramedic service across Windsor-Essex and Pelee Island.
Jovanovic said the union deliberately chose a deadline nearly two months away to give both sides time to reach an agreement and give the public advance notice of the potential impact.
“These weeks must not be lost to inaction,” Jovanovic said. “They must be used to confront the problems facing the service and reach an agreement.”
The union and county have been bargaining for months, including through conciliation and the essential-services process before the labour board.
Jovanovic said the union has put forward proposals, made compromises and worked to narrow the remaining differences. He said the central issues extend beyond any single proposal or figure at the bargaining table, pointing to what the union describes as recruitment and retention problems affecting the service.
“These negotiations are about the future stability of Essex-Windsor EMS,” Jovanovic said.
The union has also tried to bring its concerns directly before county council, but Jovanovic said those requests were denied.
