Boston EMS calls on AG to join flick gig flap
Boston EMS alleges that paramedics working on film shoots are violating a state law barring freelance EMTs
By Dave Wedge
The Boston Herald
BOSTON — Boston EMS workers are calling on the attorney general to step into the fight to wrest lucrative medic jobs from a small group of firefighters and EMTs monopolizing the sweetheart side gigs on taxpayer-subsidized movie sets.
Boston EMS filed a complaint with the state Department of Public Health in October alleging that paramedics working on film shoots are violating a state law barring freelance EMTs. Boston EMS union president Jamie Orsino yesterday called on Attorney General Martha Coakley to take up the case, saying, "This is about the legitimacy of the profession of EMS in Massachusetts."
A Coakley spokeswoman said the attorney general was unaware of the complaint.
Responding to Orsino's call for a review by the attorney general, IATSE Local 481 president John Gates said, "We're happy to have anyone look at this and take it out of the court of public opinion."
Orsino and others are fuming that the jobs are not going to local firefighters and EMS workers, who they contend have exclusive contracts for emergency service work.
"It's not an issue of fire versus EMS because it equally excludes legitimate firefighters and EMTs throughout the commonwealth," Orsino said.
Officials from the International Association of Theatrical Stage Employees - the union that provides set medics to Hollywood producers - say they're following rules that have been in place nationally for 20 years and that any licensed EMT can join their union.
The Herald reported yesterday that a select group of about 25 EMTs and firefighters, including several from Boston, are moonlighting for IATSE, allowing them to scoop up a windfall of side work on sets across Massachusetts. Among the set medics are a Boston firefighter who started his own EMT service and a top assistant to Treasurer Tim Cahill.
Set medics, who administer first aid to stars and crew, can earn up to $50 per hour, but IATSE vice-president Jim Mitchell said they generally make a "minimum" of $30-32 per hour, though "they can negotiate for more."
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