Boston Medics Whining Like Babies Again

[Dustdevil]

http://www.ems1.com/jobs/articles/811011-boston-ems-calls-on-ag-to-join-flick-gig-flap/

Boston EMS calls on AG to join flick gig flap

Boston EMS alleges that paramedics working on film shoots are violating a state law barring freelance EMTs

By Dave Wedge

The Boston Herald

Related Article:

Mass. EMTs cash in on movie 'set medic' jobs

BOSTON — Boston EMS workers are calling on the attorney general to step into the fight to wrest lucrative medic jobs from a small group of firefighters and EMTs monopolizing the sweetheart side gigs on taxpayer-subsidized movie sets.

Boston EMS filed a complaint with the state Department of Public Health in October alleging that paramedics working on film shoots are violating a state law barring freelance EMTs. Boston EMS union president Jamie Orsino yesterday called on Attorney General Martha Coakley to take up the case, saying, "This is about the legitimacy of the profession of EMS in Massachusetts."

A Coakley spokeswoman said the attorney general was unaware of the complaint.

Responding to Orsino's call for a review by the attorney general, IATSE Local 481 president John Gates said, "We're happy to have anyone look at this and take it out of the court of public opinion."

Orsino and others are fuming that the jobs are not going to local firefighters and EMS workers, who they contend have exclusive contracts for emergency service work.

"It's not an issue of fire versus EMS because it equally excludes legitimate firefighters and EMTs throughout the commonwealth," Orsino said.

Officials from the International Association of Theatrical Stage Employees - the union that provides set medics to Hollywood producers - say they're following rules that have been in place nationally for 20 years and that any licensed EMT can join their union.

The Herald reported yesterday that a select group of about 25 EMTs and firefighters, including several from Boston, are moonlighting for IATSE, allowing them to scoop up a windfall of side work on sets across Massachusetts. Among the set medics are a Boston firefighter who started his own EMT service and a top assistant to Treasurer Tim Cahill.

Set medics, who administer first aid to stars and crew, can earn up to $50 per hour, but IATSE vice-president Jim Mitchell said they generally make a "minimum" of $30-32 per hour, though "they can negotiate for more."

[WolfmanHarris]

This sort of whining worked well in Toronto. They managed to get a city bylaw passed that requires Toronto EMS to be hired for EMS standby's at movie shoots, festivals, etc.

[maverick56]

A prime example of why I despise unions.

[CBEMT]

Friend of mine works for/with IATSE as a set medic. Paid her bills and then some for quite a while, when there's work to be had. When there's a film in town, she takes herself off the schedule at her company entirely.

$30+ an hour to watch Katherine Heigl get dunked underwater over and over again.... yeah I think I could handle that.

This sort of whining worked well in Toronto. They managed to get a city bylaw passed that requires Toronto EMS to be hired for EMS standby's at movie shoots, festivals, etc.

The producers would probably love that. Even on overtime BEMS wouldn't be getting what the IATSE guys are making straight.

Btw, here's the original story: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1248792

Predictably, the comment thread is... interesting.

Edited May 15, 2010 by CBEMT