Essex County Paramedics speak their mind

Paramedics have been voicing their opinion about the upcoming vote in Essex County over the past several days. Read what they had to say. 


A good day for paramedicsby Kevin Cornwall

Paramedics in Essex County are feeling pretty good these days. On November 18 and 19 they will be voting for a new union and a better contract. They can compare and contrast contracts negotiated by SEIU, CUPE and OPSEU and see which one suits them best. Whichever union wins this vote, the paramedics will be the big
winners. 


Union vote can raise status of part time paramedicsby Kerry Nantais

The union representation vote is an opportunity for all the part-time paramedics to earn equal status with their full-time colleagues. Part-timers in my union, SEIU, have worked hard to ensure that they are not discriminated against because they are part time workers. As a part timer, I face the same challenges and dangers as my full time colleagues do. I hope part time paramedics do not miss this opportunity to win equality for all Windsor-Essex paramedics.


Cutting costs the right wayby Matt Gosselin

The SEIU has helped save money for Essex County taxpayers. The union’s paramedic team has worked since 2005 to convince Essex County to merge its 4 separate paramedic services into one single service for the entire county. The County’s wise decision will get rid of overlap and duplication of services without reducing emergency help for those people who are in dire need. This was a good call by SEIU and the County. 


EMS Services brought back into Countyby Mark Ward

After the province downloaded EMS services to municipalities in 2001, Windsor-Essex has done its best to pick up the pieces and provide quality emergency services in the county. As early as 2003, it was clear to SEIU’s paramedics that the multiple service providers in the county were inefficient, and that EMS Service should be amalgamated and administered by the county. This week’s union vote is the final welcome step in SEIU’s right-minded campaign to correct the mistakes of the last 7 years.