Unionized paramedics working for Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Services will be holding an information picket starting at 8 o’clock Monday (May 26) morning in Belleville.
The members of CUPE Local 1842 have been without a contract since the end of 2023 and today will also feature what they believe will be their final bargaining session with Hastings County.
Arbitration is expected in the summer.
The demonstration will be held at the site of Monday’s negotiations, Fairfield Inn and Suites.
The union says Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Services is the busiest service in eastern Ontario but has the second lowest pay rates.
According to CUPE the wage disparity makes it difficult to recruit and retain staff as paramedics don’t have to travel very far to work for higher pay while dealing with fewer calls for service.
The union is also calling for improved mental health supports.
