** Nova Scotia paramedics and other health care workers see union representation restructured by province
** Australian paramedics responding to train accident blocked by bystanders, pelted with rocks
CANADA NEWS
** In an effort to simplify the bargaining process, Nova Scotia is restructuring union representation for
paramedics and other health care workers in the province. That is the word from the CBC (December 15)
which said the undertaking, being done by arbitrator James Dorsey, is expected to be completed by January
19th. The shake-up, which is being conducted at the behest of Premier Stephen McNeil, involves some
24,000 people. Among these are EMS medics, LPNs, nurses, cooks, lab techs and clerks. Currently, there are
53 separate bargaining units. McNeil wants 4. Nine health authorities will also become one by April 1st.
AUSTRALIA NEWS
** New South Wales paramedics, attempting to attend on a teen who was hit by a train Sunday, were pelted
with rocks and verbally abused by onlookers. The International Business Times (December 21) said the
incident, which saw the 18-year-old suffer a traumatic amputation of both legs, played out after the train
came to a stop in Taree. According to the newspaper, once EMS arrived on scene, they were blocked from
approaching the victim. Overcoming the resistance with the help of police, the providers were then shoved
and the ambulance hit by rocks. At one point, responders had to take refuge in the train’s cab. Reinforcements
were called and the crowd was dispersed. The accident is now being considered a crime scene. There is no
word yet on whether anyone was charged. Police continue to investigate.
Dec 22, 2014 | Comments Off on Tuesday, December 23, 2014
