** Durham, Ontario contract negotiations to resume one week after strike action began
** 2 Mississippi medics killed in highway crash with 18-wheeler
CANADA NEWS
** Contract talks are resuming today in the Durham, Ontario paramedic union dispute. That is the word from City News (June 25) which said the meeting will come one week after industrial action began. According to the newspaper, medics rejected a last minute pay deal Saturday. The main sticking issue is wages. Union talking heads have said EMS management are holding firm on their refusal to pay medics for sick leave during their first three days absent.
UNITED STATES NEWS
** Two Mississippi medics are dead after a Tuesday crash with an 18-wheeler hauling a bulldozer. Fox 10 TV (Kati weis/June 24) said the 11 am accident occurred on Highway 63 near Sand Hill while medics were responding to a call. According to the news station, the truck made a left turn in front of the EMS unit, causing the ambulance to plow into its side. Police sources said the ambulance and truck were both immediately engulfed by flames. Both medics died instantly. The truck driver, meanwhile, sustained only minor injuries. Mississippi Highway Patrol spokesman Brent Barfield said the ambulance had the right of way since it was responding to a call at the time. The names of the deceased have not yet been released.
