Tuesday, July 7, 2009
** Quebec medics backing away from strike?
** BC union heads consider new strike strategy
** New Brunswick upping EMS staffing
CANADA NEWS
** Quebec paramedics may be moving away from pursuing strike action over a proposed new pay scale for practitioners. That, at least, is the possibility being dangled by the Canadian Press (July 5) which said intervention by a mediator has convinced the providers to tone down protest tactics for the time being. According to the news site, the gesture is aimed at demonstrating good faith. Representing some 3,500 ambulance technicians, the union has taken exception to the government’s desire to add a 3 tier salary scale to their labour contract. An EMS spokesman said the divisions are unnecessary and unwelcome, since all providers do the same job.
** BC ambulance union officials are regrouping to strategize on new tactics to take to end the three months long EMS strike. The Marketwire (July 3) said labour brass have just completed a province wide canvas of members soliciting feedback. CUPE 873 president John Strohmaier said medics are increasingly frustrated with the province’s apparent lack of concern for prehospital practitioners. Along with several providers advocating all out strike, others have recommended temporarily suspending the job action. Strohmaier said it is not yet clear what the new action plan will entail, only that it must comply with the Emergency Services Order. Industrial action began April 1.
** Ambulance New Brunswick is preparing to augment its staffing numbers, now that 70 new paramedics have graduated from the Atlantic Paramedic Academy. The Daily Gleaner (Adam Bowie/July 4) said several practitioners are set to write a provincial licencing examination Wednesday. Orientation for new hires will then begin by July’s close. A continual supply of new practitioners is also expected with a further 12 graduates slated for August and an additional 16 in October. The news is welcome to politicians like Fredericton Junction Mayor Gary Mersereau. Mersereau said EMS coverage has been an ongoing concern for some time, particularly in rural areas.
