EMS may hold vote on strike

[K9kazoo]

EMS may hold vote on strike

By SHAWN LOGAN, SUN MEDIA

Calgary's 400 paramedics appear to be headed towards a strike vote after union members voted yesterday whether to take job action in their labour dispute with the city.

Bruce Robb, president of Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 3421, was keeping the results of the membership vote on two questions close to the vest, but confirmed one question posed to members was whether to hold a strike vote.

"We had a large turnout of members and received a very strong mandate," Robb said.

Sources tell the Sun the paramedics' union is seeking a 30% pay hike over three years, while the city is offering the same 12% raise given to the transit union.

Robb disputed the 30% figure, noting that number includes some pay grid adjustments the union believes was unfairly thrust upon it in 2000 by a provincially appointed disputes inquiry board to head off a potential strike.

Mayor Dave Bronconnier said he is hoping the union will return to the table but noted the city can't possibly meet the wage demands being sought by paramedics.

Robb said some 80% of the membership voted on whether to hold a strike vote as well as whether the union would take "other action."

Robb wouldn't say if that entailed launching a work-to-rule campaign, preferring to wait until a press conference today to release vote results as well as the union's next steps.

Paramedics last took strike action for 11 days in 1991.

City spokeswoman Vickie Megrath said it has contingency plans, but it's too early to rule out a settlement prior to a strike vote.

[Dustdevil]

Does Calgary hire EMT-As?

If so, are they members of the same union?

[K9kazoo]

Does Calgary hire EMT-As?

If so, are they members of the same union?

Yup, more so than before.

B.

[Just Plain Ruff]

I will put the negotiators for both sides in my prayers this week. Seems they need all the help they can get.