/
/
/
/
/
Fireworks shine light on understaffing problem

Fireworks shine light on understaffing problem

VANCOUVER–CUPE 873, Ambulance Paramedics of BC, are raising concerns about public safety for tonight’s opening event for the annual Celebration of Lights fireworks festival.

“We’re concerned that people are at risk,” says CUPE 873 president John Strohmaier. “We are expecting up to 100 additional calls to come in and with understaffing the way it is, I just don’t see how these calls can be properly handled.”

Strohmaier is referring to the 200 Full Time Equivalent positions that the BC Ambulance Service continues to try to fill using overtime hours, instead of hiring additional ambulance paramedics.

At tonight’s event, there will be no specialized paramedic teams in attendance. The usual complement of six bicycle squads, which are used to get through large crowds at such events, will be reduced to two.

The paramedics want to make sure the public understands that the situation is not the result of their current labour dispute.

“I used to work at this event, and I’m convinced that someone is going to need help and it won’t be available,” says BJ Chute, director of Public Education for CUPE 873.

Chute explains that there are only two ambulances in the West End and one in Kitsilano at night. “Last year, we ended up not having coverage and I can tell you, a lot was happening on the streets. With such a large crowd, I’m very worried.”

Ambulance paramedics have been on strike since April 1. They want the government to negotiate so that improvements can be made to how services are delivered. Chronic understaffing and long response times continue to be the biggest issues paramedics want the government to address.

COPE 491

 

Share this

Latest News

Budget 2024 tackles economic uncertainty with investments in public services and affordability – CUPE BC

Budget 2024 tackles economic uncertainty with investments in public services and affordability – CUPE BC

February 22, 2024
VICTORIA— Budget 2024 continues the BC NDP’s record of making meaningful investments in the public services that matter to people and communities, and creating and expanding programs that make life…
VICTORIA— Budget 2024 continues the BC NDP’s record of making meaningful investments in the public services that matter to people and communities, and creating and expanding programs that make life...

District of Chetwynd workers ratify new contract

District of Chetwynd workers ratify new contract

February 15, 2024
CHETWYND – After a collaborative round of negotiations CUPE 3052 members, municipal workers in the District of Chetwynd, have overwhelmingly ratified a new four-year contract. The new agreement includes wage…
CHETWYND – After a collaborative round of negotiations CUPE 3052 members, municipal workers in the District of Chetwynd, have overwhelmingly ratified a new four-year contract. The new agreement includes wage...

CUPE 1978 ratifies new agreement with Greater Victoria Housing Society

CUPE 1978 ratifies new agreement with Greater Victoria Housing Society

February 13, 2024
VICTORIA – CUPE 1978 members at the Greater Victoria Housing Society have ratified a new five-year agreement that provides improved working conditions for CUPE members, as well as enhanced supportive housing…
VICTORIA – CUPE 1978 members at the Greater Victoria Housing Society have ratified a new five-year agreement that provides improved working conditions for CUPE members, as well as enhanced supportive housing...