Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Omaha Steve

(103,464 posts)
Fri Apr 26, 2024, 01:06 PM Apr 2024

With unanimous support, paramedics and EMTs form a union with AFSCME in Montana



Staff at AMR Bozeman, Montana, formed a union through AFSCME Council 9. Photo credit: Tyler Holmes.

https://www.afscme.org/blog/with-unanimous-support-paramedics-and-emts-form-a-union-with-afscme-in-montana

By Aaron Gallant · Monday, April 22, 2024

Faced with low pay, high turnover and faulty equipment, a group of dedicated EMTs and paramedics at AMR Bozeman voted unanimously to form a new union.

These new union members made history in February as the first EMS workers to form a union with AFSCME Council 9 and the first AMR employees to unionize in Montana.

“We really love what we do, we want to be helping people,” said Chris Dooley, who left his career in human resources to become an EMT. “But we need to make enough money to get by.”

Their pleas to management for better equipment, like new ambulances that can safely transport patients in Bozeman’s mountainous terrain, also went unresolved.

FULL story at link above.
2 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
With unanimous support, paramedics and EMTs form a union with AFSCME in Montana (Original Post) Omaha Steve Apr 2024 OP
One of my greatest fears is having a medical emergency and an underpaid, disgruntled EMT shows up. Midnight Writer Apr 2024 #1
Good on them! montanacowboy Apr 2024 #2

Midnight Writer

(22,973 posts)
1. One of my greatest fears is having a medical emergency and an underpaid, disgruntled EMT shows up.
Fri Apr 26, 2024, 01:55 PM
Apr 2024

If anyone deserves a raise and the equipment and back-up to do their job, it is EMTs.

Used to be a city function in my town, based at the fire station and union-staffed.

But the city decided to contract it out. Some fly-by-night outfit came in, got the contract, and set up shop in an old gas station. Lasted about a year, and the company closed down, leaving the city with no EMT service.

Now another private contractor has come in and pays their EMTs about the same as a fast-food worker and apparently treats them about as well. Worker turn-over is about three months. Training is minimal. God bless the workers, but I hope I never have to rely on them in an emergency.

Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Omaha Steve's Labor Group»With unanimous support, p...