The vote was overwhelming, for better pay and more help
An overwhelming vote by Niagara EMS workers to go on strike.
The union that represents them, CUPE 911, says 99% voted to strike if a deal is not reached with the Niagara region, adding they don't want to strike, in a career they chose to help others.
The region says the next scheduled negotiation is in May.
Union president David Barnett tells us the region needs to offer competitive wages, in that Niagara EMS workers make about 20% less than the rest of the province.
There's also the part time workers, who are on the job 36 hours a week, yet there's a shortage of workers.
In a posting to social media, the union says this is not about stepping away from its critical role of supporting people when it matters most, but it's about protecting that.
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