** Trial begins for UK man accused in driving death of paramedic
** Paramedic strike in Durham, Ontario continues;sticking point is sick time
UNITED KINGDOM NEWS
** Trial proceedings began yesterday for a Brockenhurst man accused in the April 2013 driving death of paramedic Gillian Randall. The Southern Daily Echo (June 23) said Richard Husband, 26, has been tagged with causing death by dangerous driving x 2 in both Randall’s death and the death of patient Francis Ironside, 86. According to the newspaper, Husband was behind the wheel last April 27th when the vehicle he was driving slammed into the ambulance, causing the latter to leave the road and hit a tree. Paramedic Richard Riley,32, and Ironside’s son David, 64, were seriously injured in the crash.
CANADA NEWS
** Paramedics and other health care workers in Durham, Ontario remain on strike this week after rejecting a proposed pay deal Saturday. That is the word from MSN News (June 22) which said CUPE Local 1764, which also represents daycare workers, health inspectors, court and income staff, took the action after launching the strike Thursday. According to the newspaper, the main sticking point is EMS sick benefits. Durham Regional Chair Roger Anderson said it was unacceptable that medics average about 15 sick days a year. The most recent contract proposal instead suggested alternate days off to use when medics want to. Once these days are used up, they would not be paid. Additionally, sick leave insurance could be increased from 16 weeks to 26 weeks.
