Peterborough County Disappointed by Paramedic Strike Notice and Remains Committed to Reaching an Agreement
CUPE Local 4911 has served notice that Peterborough County paramedics will go on strike starting at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, November 16.
Peterborough County is disappointed that it has come to this. We have put forward a fair and competitive offer, and we remain committed to finding a resolution. We have also proposed independent arbitration to resolve the outstanding issues and avoid a disruption to services.
Emergency care will continue. Under the Essential Ambulance Services Agreement (EASA) signed November 6, 68 paramedics will staff 10 ambulances during the day and seven overnight. Residents should always call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
The County’s Offer
The County has offered wage increases totaling almost 18% over three years. Based on collective agreements settled to date, this represents the highest wage increase in Eastern Ontario and ranks among the top 10 in the province. The County’s offer also includes enhanced mental health benefits of $5,000 annually for full-time paramedics and $2,000 annually for part-time paramedics.
CUPE 4911 has publicly stated that it wants a fair agreement that respects its members and supports the long-term sustainability of paramedic services in Peterborough. The County believes its offer achieves both objectives while recognizing the important work paramedics do and balancing its responsibility to local taxpayers.
The Union’s most recent wage proposal would make Peterborough County paramedics the highest paid in Ontario, by 2028, based on current wage settlements.
A strike was avoidable
The County remains ready to negotiate around the clock to reach a fair deal and avoid disruption. The County has also proposed more than once that an independent interest arbitrator settle the remaining issues, providing an alternative to strike action. Most paramedic disputes in Ontario over the past 25 years have been resolved this way. The Union declined.
Arbitration would provide a fair, binding outcome from a mutually agreed upon independent third party who would consider comparable collective agreements and settlements across the sector in determining the terms of a new agreement.
Staffing during the strike
During Essential Ambulance Services Agreement (EASA) negotiations, the County sought to maintain staffing levels during a strike and proposed a reduction of only 10%. The Union proposed a much larger reduction.
The final agreement, providing for a 20% reduction in staffing during a strike, represented a negotiated compromise between the parties. The County’s priority throughout these discussions has been to maintain emergency services for taxpayers.
Specialty programs
Community paramedicine and the tactical team will be suspended during a strike. Both parties agreed to this in the EASA because these programs, while important to the community, fall outside the statutory definition of essential ambulance services during a strike.
No lockout
The County will not lock out its paramedics. The County has offered interest arbitration as an alternative to strike action and remains willing to pursue that option.
Support from neighbouring services
The County may need to ask neighbouring paramedic services for assistance during a strike. The County recognizes the potential impact on those services and their communities and appreciates their ongoing cooperation and support.
Our paramedics do outstanding work, and we want them on the job serving their community. Our offer remains on the table, and so does our proposal for arbitration or further negotiations. We remain hopeful that the parties can find a resolution and avoid disruption to the community.
For updates and frequently asked questions, engage.ptbocounty.ca/paramedics
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