<goog_1249831341762> http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_thompson_nicola/kamloopsthisweek/opinion/letters/52555277.html
Paramedics striking for respect, equality <http://ad.ca.doubleclick.net/click%3Bh=v8/3884/3/0/%2a/u%3B216606462%3B0-0%3B0%3B21071669%3B4307-300/250%3B32545006/32562882/1%3B%3B%7Esscs%3D%3fhttp://www.bcdailybuzz.com/> <http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/bprs.news.kamloopsthisweek/opinion;tile=2;pos=box1;kw=;sz=300x250;ord=123456789?> Published: August 05, 2009 5:00 PM Updated: August 05, 2009 5:17 PM 5 Comments<http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_thompson_nicola/kamloopsthisweek/opinion/letters/52555277.html#disqus_thread> Editor: The B.C. Ambulance Service paramedics’ strike has been in effect since April 1, with no end in sight as the government refuses to appoint a third-party arbitrator. There has been stated public concern over the paramedics’ right to demand higher wages and request for respect, as well as their responsibility to serve the public despite striking. With concerns about the recession, it has been suggested paramedics are showing a lack of responsibility by asking for higher wages. When citing pay, advanced-care paramedic wages are often listed, yet more than 2,000 paramedics are part-time and trained as primary-care paramedics, standing by for calls at a rate of $2 an hour. Even then, they are paid $20 an hour for responding to unpredictable working conditions, less than two-thirds the wages of primary-care attendants in other provinces. Staff frequently remain in bases over a span of several days, hoping to accumulate enough money to take home to their families, only to leave them a few days later to return to work, despicably compensated by their employer, who promises opportunities are infinite within the service. The reality is that paramedics have been living their own recession for the past several decades. A seven per cent wage increase would simply bring them on par with the rest of workers currently working at recession wages. Respect? Employees are mandatorily called back to work for overtime shifts. If teachers were given another class to teach at the end of the day, if pilots were called in to work above their allotted hours, would you feel safe leaving your children and loved ones in the hands of overworked employees? Overtime for these professions is illegal. Why are paramedics called on by their government to return to work after completing 12-hour shifts? Would government officials enjoy being called back to session, cutting summer short? What if our government was asked to relocate their families hours from their home for several years, just to attain full-time status? This is the reality for any part-time paramedic hoping to become full-time. Never mind acknowledging these faults, the B.C. Ambulance Service cannot even meet paramedics face-to-face. If the public is questioning why an agreement has not yet been made, perhaps questions should be directed to management as to why it can only attend two-thirds of bargaining meetings. Responsibility? It’s been placed in the hands of the paramedics themselves. And, despite a belittling management, they continue to give 100 per cemt when showing up for work. They are taking their responsibility seriously and asking for fair working conditions to ensure they can continue giving 100 per cent. Until now, the weight of the service has been entirely carried by our paramedics. If what I was taught in primary school remains true, increasing responsibility is compensated by wages. In that case, Premier Gordon Campbell should return to office and responsibly address the paramedics’ strike for respect. Cheryl Drewitz Kamloops
