Montreal Dispatchers Threaten Strike

EMS dispatchers in Montreal (Canada) have announced a strike for April 15th to protest the lack of progress on union contract negotiations. The contract expired in June, 2003. The dispatchers at the Urgences Santé say their pay rate is 32% lower than those of Montreal’s 911 dispatchers, who initially answer 911 calls and transfer them to the various public safety agencies. The dispatchers are asking for wage parity, instead of the US$17.00 to $20.04 per hour they now make. Ominously, dispatchers union head Martin Doyon said, “This strike day will be followed by other pressure tactics if the employer doesn’t listen to reason.” Check the job description (en français) here. Download (pdf) a brochure on the 911 operation here.