THUNDER BAY -- Paramedics could be in a legal strike position by month’s end.
The union representing Superior North Emergency Services Thunder Bay returned a 100 per cent strike mandate in voting conducted last week, and could walk off the job as early as April 28.
Kari Jefford, president of Unifor Local 229, said paramedics have been without a contract in place since March 31, 2015 and the latest round of talks broke off last week.
The two sides are not expected to meet before April 20.
“The parties are very far apart, there are still significant concessions on the table by the City of Thunder Bay. Talks originally broke down last October and the union filed for conciliation which took place last week. A Ministry of Labour no board report will be issued today starting a 17-day cool off period for the parties,” Jefford said in a statement.
A rally will take place at city hall at 5:30 p.m. on Monday to send a message to city hall.
Paramedics are considered an essential service and the organization has a deal in place calling for a minimum of 36 workers on the job at all times.
About 100 paramedics are affected by the labour dispute.
