SAN DIEGO — Paramedics and EMTs hit the picket line Thursday to argue for higher wages from Rural/Metro after their union overwhelmingly rejected a new contract offer, which called for a 17.6 percent wage increase over four years.
With chants like “Highly trained, lowest paid,” the group protested their employer, the company that provides EMS for San Diego, reported NBC San Diego.
The protesters, who say they earn less money than fast food workers, said the wage increase was not enough because of their low starting salaries.
“We want people to know that Rural/Metro should be fair and pay us a livable wage,” Jennifer Restle, union president said. “Most of us, 340 of 420 employees, make less than $15 [per hour] saving lives.”
Michael Simonsen, Rural/Metro spokesman, said the majority of the company’s workforce does not support this protesting group or its union.
“Remember, it’s not just the wage. It’s also the health benefits; it’s also the vacation time, sick leave and everything else that comes with it,” Simonsen said.
“Just to make ends meet, we have to work extra hours,” paramedic Philomena Zangar told NBC San Diego. “There’s no possible way to keep up in San Diego with the cost of living with what we’re paid.”
Union representatives believe they have majority support and are seeking a delay in an upcoming San Diego City Council vote on renewing its contract with Rural Metro.