BUFFALO, N.Y. — EMTs and medics rejected a contract proposal this week in a near-unanimous vote after remaining at odds over wages.
Buffalo News reported that nearly 300 Rural/Metro workers voted Tuesday and Wednesday and the two sides have made progress on noneconomic matters since April. The former contract expired Sunday, according to the report.
“While we are disappointed in the result of this vote, we remain committed to the dialogue that has led to tentative agreements in a majority of the proposed articles,” said Jay Smith, general manager for Rural/Metro’s Western New York division, in a statement. “We are in agreement with the union when it comes to the review and redesign of processes and programs that further improve work conditions and offer opportunity for enrichment to our employees.”
Neither side has described the wage offer, but the company and federal mediator said that it had no chance of passing, according to the report.
“The proposed wage increase, albeit in line with recently ratified agreements locally and nationally, presents perhaps the greatest divide to this point. An agreement of this nature can have a profound impact, so we must achieve a reasonable balance that provides a wage increase for our employees and a fiscally sustainable future for our operation,” Smith said.
Health insurance is also an issue and workers want to decimate their current health insurance and put works into one company plan, according to the report.
Workers voted two weeks ago to authorize a strike, and a 10-day notice of a walkout has been given, according to the report.
“We will continue to work in good faith with the union to reach an agreement that is mutually beneficial,” Smith said. “In the meantime, I am confident that our professional and dedicated EMTs and paramedics will continue to provide the communities of Western New York with the very highest level of patient care.”