Hastings-Quinte Paramedics and union supporters demonstrated in front of the Fairfield Inn and Suites in Belleville Monday morning prior to a what is likely a final bargaining session with Hastings County.
Members of CUPE Local 1842 have been without a contract since the end of 2023.
With arbitration scheduled for August, union steward Samantha deHaan says this is a last ditch effort to come to a mutually respectful contract.
Although paramedics have not been deemed an essential service, Hastings-Quinte Paramedics cannot strike due to a mutual agreement that was put into place within their collective agreement several years ago.
Samantha deHaan says they are looking for competitive wages that reflect the amount of work they do.
Fellow union steward Nick Carvajal says they’re also seeking better and stronger mental health support for all members regardless of employment status.
Part-time paramedics aren’t eligible for the same support as full-time staff even though many of them are working full-time hours.
deHaan adds that recruitment and retention are major problems that won’t be solved without addressing these issues.
Earlier this month, the union highlighted a particular weekend when the region was short a combined total of six full ambulances and one half ambulance due to staffing shortages, saying the ambulance shortages have reached a dangerous tipping point.
