Jun 22, 2023
Meriden, CT) — EMS professionals with Hunters Ambulance, members of International Association of EMTs and Paramedics (IAEP) Local 294, are preparing for a potential work stoppage as successor contract talks remain stalled out with new ownership group, Hartford HealthCare.
“Our members spoke loudly and clearly by rejecting a recent tentative agreement between the parties and issuing a statement of no-confidence in management,” said IAEP National Director Philip Petit. “Management simply is not hearing their workforce’s concerns. They’re not moving towards an agreement that works for them as an employer, for their employees, and most importantly – for the communities they serve.”
The IAEP and Hartford HealthCare management met for nearly the 50th bargaining session last week, with a continued focus on mandatory overtime and related safety concerns, as well as crafting a fair wage offer. Local 294 members remain concerned about the company’s growing 9-1-1 footprint through a new contract with the town of Southington, which will mean thousands of new calls despite existing staffing concerns and worsening morale in the department.
“On one hand, management is telling our members that the work they do is too important to their communities to leave their shifts open,” said Director Petit. “Then on the other hand, they’re telling them that they shouldn’t expect a wage that reflects that level of importance or skill. It’s not just disheartening; it’s infuriating to think that their employer expects them to sacrifice more time with their families every month while proposing, in some cases, below market wages.”
The IAEP continues to engage with management regarding communications and safety concerns, in the hope of a resolution soon. The members of Local 294 are preparing for job actions in the coming weeks, including the potential authorization of a work stoppage in the future.
“These are folks who do this work because they genuinely care for their patients, and they legitimately want to help people in need. The last thing we want is to move to a work stoppage, but we can’t continue to just sit at the table while management fails to bargain with any respect for what they’re asking from these heroes,” said Director Petit.
A copy of the press release can be found here.
NBC Connecticut: Hunter's Ambulance EMS workers talk of possible strike amid contract negotiations
First Responders Prepare for Potential Work Stoppage in CT
First Responders Prepare for Potential Work Stoppage as Contract Talks with Hartford HealthCare Slow to CrawlMeriden, CT) — EMS professionals with Hunters Ambulance, members of International Association of EMTs and Paramedics (IAEP) Local 294, are preparing for a potential work stoppage as successor contract talks remain stalled out with new ownership group, Hartford HealthCare.
“Our members spoke loudly and clearly by rejecting a recent tentative agreement between the parties and issuing a statement of no-confidence in management,” said IAEP National Director Philip Petit. “Management simply is not hearing their workforce’s concerns. They’re not moving towards an agreement that works for them as an employer, for their employees, and most importantly – for the communities they serve.”
The IAEP and Hartford HealthCare management met for nearly the 50th bargaining session last week, with a continued focus on mandatory overtime and related safety concerns, as well as crafting a fair wage offer. Local 294 members remain concerned about the company’s growing 9-1-1 footprint through a new contract with the town of Southington, which will mean thousands of new calls despite existing staffing concerns and worsening morale in the department.
“On one hand, management is telling our members that the work they do is too important to their communities to leave their shifts open,” said Director Petit. “Then on the other hand, they’re telling them that they shouldn’t expect a wage that reflects that level of importance or skill. It’s not just disheartening; it’s infuriating to think that their employer expects them to sacrifice more time with their families every month while proposing, in some cases, below market wages.”
The IAEP continues to engage with management regarding communications and safety concerns, in the hope of a resolution soon. The members of Local 294 are preparing for job actions in the coming weeks, including the potential authorization of a work stoppage in the future.
“These are folks who do this work because they genuinely care for their patients, and they legitimately want to help people in need. The last thing we want is to move to a work stoppage, but we can’t continue to just sit at the table while management fails to bargain with any respect for what they’re asking from these heroes,” said Director Petit.
A copy of the press release can be found here.
NBC Connecticut: Hunter's Ambulance EMS workers talk of possible strike amid contract negotiations
Where trade unions are most firmly organized, there are the rights of the people most respected.
- Samuel Gompers
NAGE HEADQUARTERS
159 Burgin Parkway
Quincy, MA 02169
Main Phone: (617)376-0220
Main Fax: (617)984-5695
Quincy, MA 02169
Main Phone: (617)376-0220
Main Fax: (617)984-5695
Union Local Tax Issues
Federal law now requires that every local union file an annual information return—Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-N—with the IRS. If your local fails to file under this new requirement..
Read more
