Paramedics may strike back at Games
Legislated to work, union members will ‘certainly not be eager’ to do overtime to properly staff Olympics
The 2010 Winter Olympics may yet have to cope without the services of unionized ambulance drivers at many Games venues, despite emergency legislation ending the paramedics’ seven-month strike against the government.
“I don’t know whether the Olympics are at risk, but certainly the involvement of paramedics may be at risk,” CUPE Local 873 president John Strohmaier declared yesterday.
A lot of union members, including himself, “will certainly not be eager” to volunteer for the overtime shifts required to staff large public events such as the Olympics, Mr. Strohmaier said.
“It’s a personal decision, and I can’t speak for what people may do, but I know I will not be volunteering to provide that work at the Olympics. And that feeling is widespread among our members.”
As well, paramedics will continue to refuse to wear their official uniforms and will change the unauthorized signs on their vehicles from “On Strike” to “Unstrike,” he added.
“We’re a pretty creative bunch. We are not going to sit back and quietly accept the legislation. This dispute is far from over.”
Although they have been on strike since April 1, paramedics have remained on the job, relying on irritation and inconvenience to put pressure on the government.
Officials estimate that as many as 100 paramedics a day will be needed during peak times at Games venues, with another 70 required to make up for their absence from regular Lower Mainland duties.
