ICEP EMSLA Statement

We, the below signed affiliates of the EMS Labor Alliance denounce and condemn the actions of PMT Inc, the PFFA and IAFF local 493 in the State of Arizona.

The Independent Certified Emergency Professionals (ICEP) is a group of Emergency medical Professionals based out of Tempe Arizona, employed by PMT Ambulance. They were recognized in July of 2006 as a union by PMT. ICEP has been struggling for fair working conditions, wages and benefits with constant opposition from their employer. PMT continually tramples on the basic fundamental rights of their workers.

This, as we all know is a problem faced by countless workers nationwide. What makes this particular case so appalling is the fact that union members (IAFF local 493) are working alongside management to break the back of a group of workers fighting for their right to organize and secure a collective bargaining agreement.

In July of 2008, ICEP filed charges with the Phoenix Branch of the NLRB and on November 9th of 2009 the Honorable ALJ Kokol issued his decision. The decision ordered the cease and desists of any unit (Ambulance) work being transferred to the IAFF. To date PMT, PFFA and IAFF local 493 have shown no regard for the NLRB decision and continue to staff PMT ambulances with municipal firefighters while members of ICEP are being left out in the cold. THIS CAN NOT STAND!

A complaint has been filled with Mr. Thomas Hayes of the Arizona Office of Labor Management Standards asking him to enforce the cease and desist order that these scab workers are violating.

EMSLA wishes to commend IAFF local 2260 President, Mr. Brian Jeffries, for his understanding of the principal of unity and his support of the NLRB decision.

Signed: