Ambulance crews authorize strike (600 EMTs, dispatchers, and paramedics in Oregon-SW Washington)

[Omaha Steve]

Source: The Oregonian

Ambulance crews authorize strike
Posted by The Oregonian June 20, 2007 15:50PM

Unionized workers for the Portland area's largest ambulance provider rejected a contract offer and authorized a strike today, union leaders said.

They set no strike date and county emergency medical officials said they remain hopeful the two sides will reach an agreement before ambulance service faces disruption, but the counties have also established backup plans in case of a strike.

"We're hopeful that the sides will continue to negotiate and come to an agreement," said Dr. Gary Oxman, Multnomah County Health Officer.

The union, the National Emergency Medical Services Association, represents roughly 600 EMTs, dispatchers, and paramedics in Oregon and Southwest Washington. A strike would affect Multnomah and Clackamas counties in Oregon, and Clark and Cowlitz counties in Washington, where the ambulance company American Medical Response provides 9-1-1 service.

Read more: http://blog.oregonlive.com/business/2007/06/ambulance_crews_authorize_stri.html

[killermedic]

1. Get people who will do this job!

We need amnesty for all those undocumented workers that "the shrub" wants to give a pass to! They will do the jobs these people won't!/sarc

[purduejake]

2. These people are heroes.

And when you're badly injured, they're angels. They ought to be paid accordingly, especially when an ambulance ride costs $700+.

[Igel]

3. Yes, they ought to be paid accordingly.

However, I must say, I have no idea if they are or aren't. Or what 'accordingly' means? $35k/year? $50k/year? $100k/year? Is my life worth paying them $500k/year? Is my son's life worth EMS workers' salaries being $1M/year?

Dunno.

[killermedic]

4. I agree 100%

I do believe that life should be protected and preserved but at what cost? Monetary? Ethically? I can understand the EMT-Basics walking out but the Paramedics should have a higher degree of ethical standards similar to a Dr. considering that is one of their main functions per their name. I know they are not Dr.'s but it seems that if they are unhappy with their work where they are, they always have the choice to move. My father hated the big city and preferred to raise his children in a rural setting but had to take a 45% pay cut when we moved from Denver.