Originally Posted Jan 26/2021
Paramedics and Emergency Medical Workers (EMRs) working in the private and community-based ambulance sectors in rural Newfoundland Labrador must be prioritized for vaccination against Co-Vid 19.
(19 JANUARY 2021, ST. JOHN’S, NL) Hubert Dawe, Business Agent for the Health Care Division of Teamsters Local Union 855, appealed to the Premier and Minister of Health today to act immediately to protect emergency responders, their families, and those they serve, by adding rural-based paramedics and EMRs to the top priority list for Co-Vid 19 vaccination.
Dawe explained that, to-date, the Provincial Government has not identified rural EMS providers on their priority roll-out plan for healthcare providers, even though vaccinations are being offered to their counterparts in the public ambulance sector.
“Teamsters wants the Provincial Government to recognize the rights of rural healthcare providers. These front-line workers run the same risks as public service emergency workers. They deserve the same protection,” said Dawe. “Government must recognize this discrimination against these workers, and should step up to protect them and their families.”
On behalf of Teamsters Local Union 855, Dawe is urging the Provincial Government to follow other provinces’ example—such as Alberta. “It is vital that these essential workers are added immediately to the vaccination priority list so they can continue to provide this valuable service without the added stress of being left off the priority list.”
Teamsters Local Union 855 represents 200 Paramedics, EMRs and private ambulance company Dispatchers employed in 10 different companies in Newfoundland Labrador.
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR TEAMSTERS
Hubert Dawe, Business Agent – Health Care Division,
Teamsters Union Local 855,
Cell: (709) 727-0610
email: hdawe@teamstersl855.com