Unifor is pushing the city to reach a deal with paramedics before a fast-approaching strike deadline.
Without an agreement, paramedics could walk off the job at 12:01 tomorrow morning.
The union says an agreement is in sight, but is criticizing the city for including a demand for frontline paramedics to cover managerial work.
Unit Chair for Unifor Local 39-11 City Paramedics Rob Moquin argues that would mean fewer ambulances on the road.
“We’re appealing to Mayor Bill Mauro to put patients first and for city negotiators to come back to the bargaining table today to reach a fair settlement before the strike deadline,” Moquin says in a statement.
If paramedics can’t reach a deal with the city, Moquin has explained, they won’t be running the community paramedic program, COVID-19 testing or vaccination centre.
They would continue to provide essential ambulance service for the city.
