** Nova Scotia medics give thumbs down to proposed contract;strike action possible after July 5

** UK combat medics and other soldiers can now sue government over LOD deaths

** A Thursday vote by Nova Scotia paramedics on whether or not to accept a proposed contract deal has resulted in a rejection of the tentative agreement. That is the word form The Canadian Press (June 20) which said despite the thumbs down, union members will not strike for at least two weeks. According to the news service, July 5 may be the next date for industrial action. The potential deal reached June 9th through the assistance of a mediator seemed to address the main sticking point of a defined benefit pension plan. No explanation has so far been given for the turn down. Thursday’s vote, however, is the second one in which the 800 members of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 727 have rejected the recommendation of their own union leadership.

** Families of combat medics and other soldiers killed in the line of duty can now pursue damages claims against the government. That is the word from The Daily Echo (Melanie Adams/June 20) which said the approach was confirmed last Wednesday in a Supreme Court Ruling. According to the newspaper, the court ruled the Ministry of Defence has a duty of care to soldiers as per the Human Rights Act. The decision was in response to a suit brought forward from the families of three soldiers killed by Iraqi roadside bombs while in Snatch Land Rovers. The suits claim the MOD failed to provide adequate protection for these active service members. Though a Court of Appeal had also ruled in the families’ favour, the MOD argued that the battlefield was out of the reach of such negligence claims.