The Labor and Employment Commission confirmed the reclassification of paramedics as medical science professionals. The provincial administrative tribunal dismissed the Canadian Union of Public Employees’ challenge.
“The Commission was very impressed by the high level of professionalism demonstrated by all the paramedics who offered their testimony,” said President George Filliter in his judgment.
He believes that the employment of paramedics has changed a lot since the 1970s. At the time, these workers mainly drove ambulances. They now have to stabilize the condition of patients on their own before transport to hospital using complex equipment.
“Our work has evolved so much,” exclaims one of the founders of the reclassification committee. Now our ambulances are like mini emergency rooms on wheels. Our tasks sometimes involve life or death. The responsibilities are enormous! ”
André Jobin specifies that his colleagues must know how to use electrocardiograms, to make intravenous and to use about fifteen drugs. They should also update their knowledge regularly.
“In the past, we were called paramedics,” recalls Mr. Jobin. Now we are paramedics for everyone. We are more recognized and valued. ”
The New Brunswick government has decided to recognize paramedics as medical science professionals in April 2020.
In particular, Finance Department employee Laura Barr said their training has gone from a five- to ten-day first aid training program to a 44-week emergency medical response program.
“Our valuation and our social benefits should evolve,” hopes Mr. Jobin. In the future, our experience will bring us more fruit and allow better retention. But it is too early to know the exact salary increases. We still have to discuss salary scales. ”
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which has represented paramedics since 1970, challenged the government’s decision in late 2019. It accused it of forcing a unilateral decision for political reasons.
“If he sincerely wanted to improve recognition and pay for paramedics, why didn’t he do it immediately, at the bargaining table?” Asks Local 1252 president Norma Robinson.
She adds that the 10,500 employees she represents have been waiting for a new collective agreement since June 2019.
“We thank CUPE for its past work, but we owe it to ourselves to develop our profession,” said Mr. Jobin, whose 964 colleagues are joining the ranks of the New Brunswick Union. Paramedics have deserved it for at least ten years. ”
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