Huron County’s 112 paramedics say they are frustrated as contract negotiations with the county continue. “We see members of the community on their worst days. If you’re experiencing an emergency, who are the first people you see? Likely us, the paramedics. And nobody wants to be at that emergency. But we’re always there, ready to help. And we’re just asking the community to recognize that we need help, too,” said Kelsy Long, a Huron County paramedic with 14 years on the job. A total of 110 of Huron County’s 112 paramedics voted in favour of strike action if a new contract cannot soon be reached with the County of Huron. Increased wages and mental health benefits are the main sticking points, according to the local paramedics’ union. “In the province of Ontario, there’s been some recognition for paramedics and the work we do, and the hard days that we face. And all we’re asking for here in Huron County is for us to have those same benefits and wages,” said Long, who also serves as president of the CUPE Local 4513 paramedics’ union. Long said Huron County’s paramedics have been without a contract since Jan. 1 and have met with county negotiators only six times this year. She said Huron County paramedics have seen just $6 in wage increases since 2016. “It’s been dragged out a little bit. And I think the members are feeling frustrated in that sense, and they want their voices heard,” said Long. The County of Huron provided the following statement regarding negotiations and the possibility of a paramedics’ strike: “The County of Huron and the union representing County paramedics are currently engaged in collective bargaining. The County values the important role paramedics play in delivering essential emergency medical services to residents and visitors across Huron County and remains committed to respectful, good-faith negotiations. Both parties continue to participate in negotiations in accordance with the established collective bargaining process. Out of respect for that process, the County will not comment on specific bargaining proposals or discuss details of negotiations while they are ongoing,” said Meighan Wark, Huron County’s chief administrative officer. Long said paramedics do not want to strike and understand the impact a strike would have on the community. However, she said they want the public and the county to know they are growing tired of working without a contract. Long said the wage increases currently being offered by the county would leave Huron County paramedics earning less than their counterparts in neighbouring Bruce and Perth counties. “At this time we have no deadline. We just wanted to send a message to say that our members are overworked and exhausted, and feel like they’re not being supported in the ways that they need to be. But at this point, we have no deadline. We’re going to keep coming to the table, and keep meeting the employer, and hopefully we can come to an agreement,” she said. The next scheduled negotiation dates are Nov. 23 and 24. CUPE has already requested a conciliator if a deal is not reached during those negotiations.
