The EMS strike happening in Southern California has not received as much attention as the much larger one that occurred in western New York not too long ago, but the consequences will be just as significant. This effort by EMS providers to improve their working conditions is taking on the ugly look stereotypical of labor actions of the past, with acrimonious activities happening on the picket line.
There is a lot at stake here, for both the staff and for management. For the field workers, increasing pay and benefits will help many of them to live and have a life being an EMS professional. For management, keeping costs under control will keep the doors open and allow revenue to continue.
From the looks of things, there is no easy solution here.
From the comments EMS1 members have been posting on our site and on Facebook, there is significant interest in what the ultimate outcome will be. There should be. Many of us have felt, for a long time, that EMS providers in the private sector have not received wages and benefits that would keep them from working 60+ hours a week to make ends meet. No one expects to get rich working the field in this area, but being able to support a family and own a home should not be unreasonable, even in EMS.
But money doesn’t grow on trees. Business models have adapt to changing economic conditions. Innovation and creativity are the engines for growth, where all sides win. The industry has been slow to embrace that philosophy.
And it will all parties to help make those plans become reality. A traditional “us versus them” mentality doesn’t work as well as one that fosters trust and faith that all are working for the same outcome, be that what it may.
Lets hope that once this disupte is resolved that everyone can pick up the pieces and move on to make things better than they were.
