Local paramedics reject arbitration, want to return to bargaining table

Local paramedics are urging the Sault Ste. Marie (DSSMSSAB) to return to the negotiating table after rejecting arbitration.

“Our members are frustrated by the district’s demand for arbitration rather than coming together to negotiate a fair deal,” Unifor National President Lana Payne said in a news release. Community of Sainte-Marie. Taking away their negotiating power is disrespectful and does a disservice to the essential role they play. »

Unifor Local 1359 – which represents 89 paramedics in the Sault – says the district has failed to address salary concerns. The union says paramedics are demanding fair pay consistent with industry standards.

The contract between Unifor and DSSMSSAB expired in April 2023. The two parties began negotiations last January.

Recently, 100 percent of paramedics voted 98.9 percent in favor of a strike if an agreement cannot be reached.

Find Unifor’s full press release below:

Paramedics represented by Unifor Local 1359 reject arbitration and urge the District of Sault Ste. Marie (DSSMSSAB) to return to the negotiating table to negotiate a fair agreement.

“Our members are frustrated by the district’s demand for arbitration rather than coming together to negotiate a fair deal,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “These paramedics are the first on the scene of accidents and are a pillar in the Sault Ste. Married. Taking away their negotiating power is disrespectful and does a disservice to the essential role they play. »

The collective agreement between Unifor and DSSMSSAB expired in April 2023. The union has been in negotiations with the employer since January 16, 2024. Despite these efforts, the district has still failed to address workers’ wage concerns and has instead renounced negotiations while continuing to push for arbitration. The union’s demands are consistent with industry standards and are essential to maintaining fair pay and working conditions for paramedics. In a recent vote, 100% of members of the paramedic sector voted 98.9% in favor of a strike if a deal was not reached.

“Our members are united in their resolve and continue to urge DSSMSSAB to engage in meaningful dialogue to achieve a fair settlement,” said Mary Casola, Vice President of Unifor Local 1359. “The DSSMSSAB owes our members respect and common decency to negotiate an agreement. at the negotiating table and not blame an arbitrator.

In addition to these issues, the union intends to file a grievance regarding the employer’s use of a related bargaining unit service.

“We are asking community members to speak to their representative on the DSSMSSAB Board of Directors and demand a return to the bargaining table and show paramedics the respect they deserve,” said the president of Unifor Local 1359, Cathy Humalamaki. “This collective bargaining concerns all of us in the Soo and we must come together to ensure fair treatment for those who respond to emergencies.

Unifor Local 1359 represents 89 paramedics in Sault Ste. Marie and remains committed to reaching a fair agreement that recognizes the essential role of paramedics in the community.

Unifor represents more than 30,000 health care workers, including members in hospitals, long-term care, emergency services, and community and social services, and is the largest private sector union in Canada, representing 320 000 workers in all major sectors of the economy. The union defends all workers and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.