The contract dispute involving private ambulance workers is going to the labour relations board.
It’s been over a week since emergency legislation sent them back to work, but they still have not been able to reach an essential services agreement. NTV’s David Salter reports.
Private ambulance workers are back on the job after new legislation declaring them an essential service was signed into law Tuesday. But the union says an essential services agreement with Fewer’s still likely won’t happen without direction from the Labour Relations Board. NTV’s David Salter reports.
The NDP caucus was on the hotseat Monday after delaying the start of debate on an essential services bill for striking ambulance workers. But party leader Jim Dinn has no regrets, and says the whole situation could have been avoided if government had acted sooner. NTV’s Marykate O’Neill reports.
The House of Assembly has passed legislation to classify private ambulances as essential services.
The final vote to approve the Essential Ambulance Services Act came after 9 p.m. Monday with support from all parties. The NDP initially would not allow the bill to move straight to debate this morning, but the caucus eventually gave consent to proceed after the government allowed more time to review the bill and hold a Question Period.
The bill must still must receive Royal Assent, which is expected Tuesday. Once it becomes law, more than 100 striking employees with Fewer’s ambulance will have to return to work and negotiate an essential services agreement with the employer. Once that happens, the strike can resume and the contract dispute can go to binding arbitration.
There was yet another wrinkle in the story of the private ambulance strike Monday. Steve Carey, the owner of another ambulance company, has offered to take over services in those areas affected by the strike. NTV’s Don Bradshaw reports.
The provincial government has asked for an emergency debate in the House of Assembly to make private ambulance workers essential. MHAs will return to their seats Monday morning.
The news came just a day after more than 100 first responders took to the picket line. NTV’s Ben Cleary reports.
