Bargaining has been dragging on since last April with virtually no progress at reaching a contract.
Edmonton (15 Feb. 2007) - Ambulance staff in Flagstaff County have voted strongly in favour of strike action. The employees, who are represented by the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA/NUPGE), cast their ballots on February 13, 2007.
“Our members are sending a strong message to the County. Treat us with respect and negotiate a fair contract, or face the consequences,” said HSAA president Elisabeth Ballermann.
Ambulance employees in Flagstaff County are among the lowest paid in Alberta. Bargaining has been dragging on since last April with virtually no progress at reaching a contract.
“A strike can still be avoided. All the County needs to do is begin meaningful negotiations,” Ballermann added.
The County has given its administrative staff wage increases of up to 20% in the last year (see attached salary chart). Ambulance employees have had no wage increase in two years. The County receptionist and part-time councillors are paid more than some ambulance staff.
“It’s clear the County does not place much value on employees who are making life-saving decisions and who are required to be available for work for twice the number of hours as other County staff,” Ballermann concluded.
HSAA is a union that represents more than 14,000 professional, technical, support and ambulance workers in Alberta’s health care system. NUPGE
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