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AMR May Go On Strike

Drivers, Paramedics Say Strike Would Be Nov. 28

POSTED: 10:04 pm PST November 12, 2008
UPDATED: 10:39 pm PST November 12, 2008

There's a chance about 100 American Medical Response employees will walk out the day after Thanksgiving.

City and county leaders are trying to prevent it from happening.

AMR provides 60 percent total transports in the Valley, so with the economy and other issues, a strike would be bad.

The word is that AMR drivers and paramedics are prepared to go on strike at 6 a.m. on Nov. 28.

"I don't want to. I love my job very, very much. I don't want to, but I will," said EMT Jenna Callahan.

Callahan is with AMR, and along with around 100 other employees, would walk out if the union, SEIU, and AMR can't sit down and figure something out.

"No one wants a strike, and obviously, we are wondering if this is not a move a legal move to prolong this situation and break our union," said Ed Burke, of SEIU Local 1107.

County Commission Chairman Rory Reid and Mayor Oscar Goodman have stepped in, along with the city and county fire chiefs and officials with the Southern Nevada Health District. They're urging both sides to figure out the unresolved contract dispute.

“So, we don't have to take any measures in providing our own services with our respective fire services. If we're pressed to that, we will do that, and the community will be safe," Goodman said.

But AMR is accusing workers represented by SEIU of using another union, the International Association of EMTs and Paramedics, to do its negotiating. AMR said that is unfair and has delayed talks.

"We're told AMR's contingency plan is bringing in replacement drivers from out of state," Reid said.

If that happens, AMR would ask the health district to waive certain requirements, like riding along with other paramedics for at least 120 hours before being allowed to work.

"If I'm on strike, who's going to be in the back taking care of you? Because anybody they bring in can't perform any medical care," Callahan said.

Bringing in other paramedics does not seem to be what anyone involved wants. The union said the sooner they can sit down at the bargaining table, the better.

"We will meet you. Stop hiding behind your lawyers," Burke said.

The county and city fire chiefs both said that the proper care will be provided no matter what and that everyone involved wants this resolved immediately.


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