A strike deadline has been set for local paramedics. CUPE Local 2974 has set a strike deadline for midnight on Oct. 5. The union states that while they could have chosen an earlier strike deadline, they deliberately did not in order to allow time for negotiations to continue with the County of Essex. The union and the employer met at the table on Aug. 5; however, negotiations stalled after the union walked away from the table. The union stated that during those talks, the county backtracked on “a key provision in negotiations.” While the union stated they’d be willing to meet again Monday, their next scheduled bargaining date, the county indicated they would not meet at the table. The union was in strike position on Saturday; however, the county asked for a reconsideration of the Essential Ambulance Services Agreement that was previously approved by the Ontario Labour Relations Board, which would have seen a 20 per cent reduction of staff. CUPE Local 2974 President James Jovanovic says it’s unusual to set a strike date so early. “We felt it was necessary where the public would be properly informed and apprised of how and when this would take place. I think the public has every right to know, and this gives everybody involved, the public included, more than enough time to step up and act and get to a deal,” he said. He also said the union received confirmation today that two incidents occurred during the bargaining date last week. “Two members of County Council reached out and spoke to and or approached members of our union and participated in intimidating behaviour that is alleged to have also breached confidentiality communications between the union and the employer, resulting in an unfair labour practice and potential charges of bad faith bargaining,” he added. Jovanovic says frustrations are high, but the union is always ready to meet at the table. “We made it clear that we approach each day with a clean slate, ready to negotiate in good faith and to try and reach a deal that will help stabilize EMS. The employer refused to meet with us, and they’re letting their frustrations on our simply pointing out their errors to get in the way of negotiations,” Jovanovic said. Jovanovic says the union received a screenshot of one county councillor engaging in divisive and intimidating communications with a local paramedic. He adds they also got confirmation Monday that another councillor revealed confidential information to the public during the support rally last week. Jovanovic says the union anticipates that the Labour Board will uphold their previous ruling of the 20 per cent service reduction. Another bargaining date is set for Aug. 24; however, Jovanovic says he can’t say with confidence that the county will meet with the union. CUPE Local 2974 represents about 340 paramedics who have been without a collective agreement since conciliation ended on May 8. AM800 News has reached out to the County of Essex for comment.
