Gordon Campbell Snubs BC Paramedics in Cranbrook
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Submitted by adventuresource on Tue, 28/04/2009 - 11:51pm.
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 Joined: 12-05-2006 |
Gordon Campbell refused to acknowledge BC Paramedics looking for answers on why his government refuses to appoint an independent mediator to start negotiations and bring an end to the strike that started April first. Paramedics from across the Kootenay's gathered at the Prestige Inn to remind Gordon Campbell that they would like to be recognized as an emergency service and paid the same as fire and police. Mr. Campbell did not even have the courage to speak to the Paramedics that work for substandard wages and no benefits. It is apparent that he has no intention of treating their service with any respect, or acknowledging the fact that our communities have some of the most dedicated Paramedics in the province. For more information or to send Gordon Campbell a letter encouraging him and his government to treat BC Paramedics with the respect of other emergency services please visit: |
Joined: 18-04-2009
there were only 6 paramedics picketing and two of them actually came in and joined Premier Campbell's pep rally afterwards, showing their support for him and Bill.
Joined: 08-05-2008
I agree with the ambulance service's need for a living wage, and for the opportunities that come with an investment in training.
I heard Bill say tonight at the Sparwood forum that he met with Fernie paramedics for an hour, that he wants to meet them as a group, and intends to take this on.
Actually, all four candidates were onside. Very encouraging.
Joined: 06-07-2006
Of course they are on side at a public forum- who would speak out against one of our emergency services asking for fair pay and benefits?
This hasn't happened overnight though, so it's odd that Bill would just be starting to look at it now...
Joined: 12-05-2006
[quote=MoeMan]there were only 6 paramedics picketing and two of them actually came in and joined Premier Campbell's pep rally afterwards, showing their support for him and Bill.[/quote]
Actually there were 15 paramedics and the two were searched before they could enter. They support Bill but Gordon Campbell has no support from Paramedics. It is Gordon Campbell that refuses to tell the truth and admit that he refuses to settle this strike by appointing an unbiased mediator.
It was very funny tonight in Sparwood. Bill and Troy have both now met with Paramedics to discuss the horrible state the BC Ambulance Service is in. The East Kootenay's is considered second class by the BCAS and is not afforded the services of the rest of the province. Our Provincial strike is one issue but cutbacks in our area are a much greater threat to your safety.
Wilf definitely did not take any notes when Paramedics talked to him. I think tomorrow night he should refrain from answering any questions regarding the state of the BC Ambulance Service.
Joined: 01-08-2007
The Truth of the matter is:
In the last ten years the Elk Valley has lost all but 1 full time paramedic positions from cutbacks.
In the past Paramedics were provided with their training by the employer in their home regions and paid $2 an hour. Now staff are expected to move away for up to nine months at a cost of $20,000 to be paid $2 an hour.
In the past your front line ambulances were for in community calls only. Now these ambulances are being sent out of province leaving your families unprotected.
Police and Fire are full time jobs considered professional careers as Emergency Service Workers. Paramedics are considered volunteers and have zero support by this government to be anything more.
The truth is in the last ten years in the Elk Valley the number of ambulance calls has tripled and the staffing numbers have decreased.
The truth is paramedics in the Elk Valley are working up to 168 hours a week and still not able to afford their homes.
The truth is qualified Paramedics are leaving this Valley to pursue full time spots in the lower mainland because that is the only place they are allowed to advance to full time.
The truth is if paramedics can't stay in their home communities and get paid fairly they will leave or quit.
The truth is we need your help to help you. The BC Government is putting our families at risk and has no intentions of rectifying this Critical Situation.
http://www.saveourparamedics.com
http://www.adventuresourcetours.com
Joined: 26-10-2006
Sounds like we need a street fighter from our area to champion the cause!
On another note I think a definition of what a paramedic is and the required training for that designation is explained. What is a paramedic? What is an ambulance attendant? What do we have in our community? Is their enough volume here to keep a Paramedics skills honed, or would that person need to swap out to a larger centre for say a month a year to keep those skills at a high level? I always though a paramedic had a few years of school training and could intubate, put in IVs and give drugs etc. Is there different levels?
That said, I do believe that a new pay regime needs to be put in place. What is in place in other provinces in rural areas? Does it work there? I am trying to get educated on this topic, thus the questions.
Joined: 26-10-2006
Is the BCAS working to help the situation in our area? In the past the BCAS has tried to hinder emergency ambulance access to our valley. Are they too busy negotiating on behalf of the urban ambulance workers because that is where the majority of the workers are?
Joined: 01-08-2007
Wow Ambulance paramedics of BC issues were ignored at tonight's All candidates forum in Fernie. Not one of our questions were brought forward to the candidates. Once again our strike and issues are not being acknowledged. I met with each of the candidates tonight afterwards and hashed out some very emergent regional issues that affect everyone's lives.
http://www.adventuresourcetours.com
Joined: 01-08-2007
[quote=bob]Is the BCAS working to help the situation in our area? In the past the BCAS has tried to hinder emergency ambulance access to our valley. Are they too busy negotiating on behalf of the urban ambulance workers because that is where the majority of the workers are? [/quote]
BCAS is not negotiating on behalf of any community in this province. BCAS refuses to enter negotiations with the Ambulance Paramedics of BC on any issues. We are imploring everyone to pressure the current and the new provincial government to appoint Vince Ready an unbiased independent mediator to bring this government and the BCAS to the negotiating table with the Ambulance Paramedics of BC. Regional issues are not the focus of BCAS. We need to to bring the fight to the local BCAS managers in the Kootenays.
http://www.bcas.ca/EN/quicklinks/contact.asp (BCAS CONTACT)
http://www.saveourparamedics.com
http://www.adventuresourcetours.com
Joined: 06-05-2007
[quote=bob] What is a paramedic? What is an ambulance attendant? What do we have in our community? [/quote]
A paramedic is the person who shows up at your door when you call 911 and ask for an ambulance. There are different qualification levels but they are all approved by BCAS to provide you with high quality pre-hospital care. You don't choose what day you get sick or hurt so you don't choose the qualification level that shows up. It doesn't matter what your qualification is, all paramedics make $2 as an on-call wage while waiting for a call. Could you maintain your lifestyle making $2 an hour? I couldn't.