Following a decision today by the Ontario Labour Relations Board, paramedics represented by CUPE Local 4911 cannot go on strike before 6:30 a.m. on Friday, November 13. The earlier deadline was 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, October 31.
In Ontario, paramedics cannot strike until there is an essential ambulance services agreement (EASA) in place. This agreement sets out how many paramedics and ambulances must keep working during a strike to protect the public. The parties disagree with respect to the status of an agreement from 2017 which is the basis for the ongoing proceedings before the Labour Board.
Public safety is the County’s priority. The extra time allows the County and the union to negotiate an up-to-date essential ambulance services agreement. If they cannot agree, the Board will decide.
Paramedic service continues as normal. For medical emergencies, call 9-1-1.
The County remains focused on reaching a fair agreement without a strike. Its offer remains on the table, along with its proposal to have an independent arbitrator settle the remaining issues.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
