Paramedics in Chatham-Kent are going on strike this morning.
Represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Healthcare, EMS paramedics voted 97% in favour of strike action last month. Employed by Medavie Health Services, the union members’ last contract expired on December 31st, 2022.
A statement on social media, Chatham-Kent EMS officials say service levels will remain the same with no impact on the 911-system response.
“We want our community to know that the safety and access to high-quality care remains our top priority,” the statement on Twitter reads. “We have contingency plans and essential service agreements with SEIU Local 1 and our health care partners in place to maintain Paramedic Service delivery in the right place, at the right time.”
Officials say safety and access to high quality care remain their top priority, and Chatham-Kent residents should continue to call 911 in the event of an emergency.
