Local paramedics used the grand opening of the new Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Services base in Stirling-Rawdon Monday afternoon to bring their contract negotiation concerns to the public.
About 160 full- and part-time paramedics, members of CUPE Local 1842, have been without a contract since the end of 2023.
Dozens of union members picketed in front of the new base Monday afternoon, calling on Hastings County to negotiate on critical terms that are essential to the job they do.
Paramedics with CUPE Local 1842 held an information picket in front of the new Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Services base on Stirling-Marmora Road, Monday, June 24, 2024. (Photo: Alana Cameron/Quinte News)
CUPE Local 1842 president Rob Cunningham says they’ve come to an impasse at the bargaining table with wages and working conditions being some of the biggest stumbling blocks.
“We are one of the lowest paid according to our neighbouring services. We’re having staffing issues and consistent down-staffing and we believe that there’s a retention and recruitment issue right now.”
Cunningham says it’s a very competitive market for paramedic jobs and a shortage in workers puts the safety of the public at risk.
“We’re worried about public safety because, if we can’t get paramedics, we can’t staff the road properly and provide an essential service to the citizens of Hastings County and Prince Edward County, not to mention surrounding areas.”
He adds they serve a large region, their catchment stretching from the southern tip of Prince Edward County, north of Bancroft, west between Trenton and Brighton and east to Deseronto and that they have the highest call volume in eastern Ontario besides the Ottawa region.
The union has filed for conciliation.
Paramedics with CUPE Local 1842 held an information picket in front of the new Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Services base on Stirling-Marmora Road, Monday, June 24, 2024. (Photo: Alana Cameron/Quinte News)
