THUNDER BAY – The possibility of a strike by Paramedics across the district has increased. Members of the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) Local 229 members from 14 remote and rural paramedic stations throughout the district of Thunder Bay have voted 100% in favour of strike action. The strike vote took place February 21-23, 2011. The 100% vote margin has been seen by the Union leadership as a strong message. Local President Kari Jefford stated, “we are frustrated with the City of Thunder Bay’s inability to table a realistic proposal. These workers are simply asking for parity and equity with their colleagues, the City of Thunder Bay paramedics, who do the same work, for the same employer.
“Unfortunately, difficulty in obtaining a reasonable settlement seems to be a common theme for all workers employed by the City of Thunder Bay,” complained Jefford. “We are off to arbitration with our members at the City Homes as did ONA and our Local firefighters and that certainly was not a good situation that ended well for the City.” The Union is calling on Members of City Council to intervene and review their bargaining mandate.
Conciliation talks between CAW Local 229 and the City of Thunder Bay will take place March 8 and March 9, 2011.
The Paramedic stations are as follows: Nipigon, Red Rock, Marathon, Manitouwadge, Terrace Bay, Schreiber, Beardmore, Upsala, Conmee, Shunia, Armstrong, Geraldton, Nakina, Longlac.