CALGARY – The dispute between Calgary Paramedics and the City of Calgary has been sent to a Public Emergency Tribunal.
The Government of Alberta ordered the Tribunal after Calgary Paramedics had served strike notice.
A Public Emergency Tribunal means paramedics are not allowed to go on legal strike. There will therefore be no job action by Calgary Paramedics as the PET process unfolds.
Earlier this week, Calgary Paramedics served strike notice for Thursday, July 26, at 1 pm.
Last week, paramedics voted 99% in favour of a strike mandate.
The issue for Calgary Paramedics is wage fairness. Hour for hour, paramedics earn less than other City of Calgary workers.
For example, a paramedic with 3 ½ years of education works 42 hours a week and earns $27.30/hour after 4 years of service.
By comparison, a city employee who provides protective services for Calgary Transit earns $33.44 after 4 years, and works 35 hours a week.
Paramedics believe other city employees are paid fairly. But hour for hour, paramedics' wages are not keeping pace.
The basic pay for a Calgary Paramedic is $60,000 a year without overtime or premiums. Calgary Paramedics have not had a raise since 2005.
Low wages in today's economy - in a city with one of the country's fastest growing populations - mean difficulty with recruitment and retention, leading to expensive overtime and chronic short staffing.
Despite these challenges, Calgary Paramedics continue to deliver safe, compassionate, and professional services to the citizens of Calgary.