The union that represents paramedics in Windsor-Essex hopes to see a large public turnout at a rally on Wednesday outside the Essex Civic Centre while talks to reach a collective agreement continue inside.
CUPE Local 2974 President James Jovanovich said the union first invited just its members to show support during talks, but word of the rally spread.
"We were inviting friends and families of our members, but then it got shared quite a bit, and now obviously, there's been some public attention to it, so our view is the more the merrier," he said.
The rally on Wednesday starts at 3:30 p.m. and is expected to wrap up at 6 p.m.
Jovanovich said talks with the County of Essex have been difficult, and it might help if county officials see the public support behind the paramedics.
"I think they've been unwilling to recognize the unanimous public support that our paramedics have," said Jovanovich. "I think that's been over the last several months, and I'm not certain that the County of Essex has been willing to recognize that."
Saturday marks 17 days since the Ontario Labour Relations Board issued a no-board report. Usually that would be the day the union is in a legal strike position.
Jovanovich said county officials haven't adhered to the ruling regarding the service agreement, a requirement before paramedics can join the picket line. As a result, the union plans to go back to the board for a binding ruling.
That means it's unlikely paramedics will walk off the job this weekend. If they do strike in the near future, service will be reduced by 20 per cent.
The paramedics are bargaining for better working conditions. They say the Essex Windsor EMS is short 50 paramedics, and too many suffer post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Back in February, they voted 100 per cent in favour of strike action.
