Unifor Local 1359 (Paramedics) Labour Disruption Update
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
The City of Sault Ste. Marie advises residents that Unifor Local 1359 (Paramedics) has indicated that they may initiate a labour disruption effective February 28, 2018 at 12:01 a.m. We want to assure the public that any paramedic work stoppage is subject to the conditions of an Essential Services Agreement - all critical and emergency calls will be addressed and responded to.
The City has provided an offer that is fair to its EMS employees and affordable to the citizens of Sault Ste. Marie. While the City's current EMS collective agreement is already one of the best in Northern Ontario, the new offer includes an increase in wage related compensation of 1.5% (base pay increase, introduction of shift premiums, paid meal breaks) with some additional benefit enhancements.
Despite bargaining since March 20, 2017, there are some remaining issues to be resolved. To prevent a work stoppage, the City is prepared to put these differences before an arbitrator and abide by the ruling. The City believes this is the most responsible course of action and have formally asked Unifor to agree. In spite of this offer, Unifor is proceeding with plans for a labour disruption.
The City of Sault Ste. Marie values the important work paramedics do and will continue to negotiate an agreement in a responsible manner within a Council mandate that is fair to our employees and affordable to the citizens of Sault Ste. Marie. Further information will be available to the public as appropriate.
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saultstemarie.ca for all your City information.