Saskatoon Paramedic Association votes for job action, but says services won’t stop

The Saskatoon Paramedic Association says its members have voted in favour of job action, but emergency services will continue without interruption.

The paramedics union said its members have been working without a contract for two years, while a “staffing crisis” is gripping the industry.

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“This decision comes as the Association pushes for improvements in working conditions that will help retain and recruit Paramedics and Emergency Medical Dispatchers,” the union said in a statement.

“We need to stabilize and address sustainability of emergency services in Saskatoon and the surrounding area.”

The association said it is calling on Medavie Health Services West, the ambulance service provider for Saskatoon, to take “meaningful action” to improve mental health support, improve working conditions and put into place strategies to improve recruitment and retention.

But despite the vote, the union emphasized that emergency services will not be disrupted.

“Dispatchers will continue to answer emergency calls and coordinate ambulance responses, and Paramedics will continue providing lifesaving care in accordance with existing agreements,” the union noted.

“The Association will be exploring avenues to pursue job action.”

In a statement, Medavie Health Services West Saskatoon said it is aware that labour discussions are ongoing as part of the collective bargaining process, and said no job action has yet been taken.

“We want to reassure the community that there are no changes to 911,” the EMS service said. “Please continue to call if you are experiencing an emergency.”

–with files from 650 CKOM’s Libby Gray