Liese Klein
The Register Citizen, Torrington, Conn.
HARTFORD, Conn. — A union representing employees at Hartford HealthCare -owned Hunter’s Ambulance Service has threatened to strike, claiming that staffing issues have led to unsafe working conditions.
At issue are demands around work rules, including mandated shifts at the company’s dispatch center, which handles 911 calls and sends ambulances in response to emergency calls, said Philip Petit , national director of the International Association of EMTs and Paramedics.
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The first round of contract talks between unionized workers at Hunter’s and Hartford HealthCare in 2023 also resulted in strike threats, but the issues were resolved before any work stoppages.
The union represents about 225 employees at Meriden -based Hunter’s, which was acquired by Hartford HealthCare in 2021. The union and the health system have been negotiating for six months and have reached an impasse in recent weeks, Petit said.
“People are being forced to work over 24 hours sometimes, and it’s starting to present a real safety issue for the providers, and we think the patients,” Petit said. “We’re trying to negotiate a limit on those mandates.”
Hartford HealthCare refuted the union’s claims in a statement: “Hunter’s Ambulance is committed to maintaining safe staffing and scheduling practices. Colleagues are not permitted or required to work 24-hour shifts. The safety of our colleagues, patients, and the communities we serve remains our highest priority.”
Faced with staffing shortages at the 911 center, Hunter’s managers have been forcing workers to take on additional shifts, resulting in resignations and low morale, Petit said.
“We’re stuck in this cycle until we can get this contract fixed,” Petit said.
“Hunter’s Ambulance Services remains committed to reaching a fair agreement with the union representing our colleagues,” Hartford HealthCare said. “We believe it is possible to reach an agreement that supports our colleagues while maintaining the safety practices that our patients and communities deserve and depend on.”
Hartford HealthCare said it is eager to resume talks. “We remain committed to the collective bargaining process and look forward to continuing discussions with the union,” the system said.
Negotiation sessions with the help of a federal mediator are scheduled for later this month, Petit said.
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