2013-08-09 "Take Action: Stand Up for Striking First Responders in El Centro"
from "California Labor Federation Spotlight" newsletter:
Dozens of ambulance drivers, paramedics and EMTs employed by Gold Cross in El Centro have been on strike for more than a week and a half, and are still fighting for decent wages, working conditions and equipment. The first responders are often forced to work with substandard emergency transport vehicles that break down and don't have adequate functioning air conditioning, despite El Centro’s extreme desert-like conditions. Additionally, many of the Gold Cross workers earn less than $9/hour, and have little or no health care benefits.
Show your support for these dedicated first responders by sending a message to their employer, and let the management know that these emergency medical service professionals, who devote their lives to saving others, deserve a fair contract with decent wages, benefits and working conditions.
"Support LU 542 Members on Strike for Higher Wages at Gold Cross"
[http://salsa4.salsalabs.com/o/50740/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=8868]:
Teamsters Local 542 members in El Centro, who are employed by Gold Cross Ambulance Company, have been on strike for over a week and a half.
We all know that an emergency medical services system needs to be safe and secure for patients and the professionals who serve the public day in and day out.
It is unfortunate that Gold Cross Ambulance Company has implemented a corporate business plan that puts Imperial County at risk with substandard emergency transport vehicles that break down and don't have adequate functioning air conditioning in the extreme desert-like conditions.
Gold Cross' treatment of its dedicated workforce of paramedics, emergency medical technicians and dispatchers is unfair with wages set at near-poverty levels and reduced health care benefits.
Our Teamster sisters and brothers in El Centro need your help to let Gold Cross know that wages, benefits and working conditions must change for the better. Send a message to the company letting them know that these emergency medical service professionals, who devote their lives to saving others, deserve A CONTRACT NOW with fair wages and adequate health care for members and their families.
Gold Cross, and its parent Schaefer Ambulance Company, must put public safety and fairness ahead of profits for the executives.
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"EMTs and Paramedics at Gold Cross Deserve Better than Near-Poverty Wages"
message to Schaeffer Ambulance Company, Fax:(323) 463-0433
Dear Gold Cross and Schaefer Ambulance Executives:
Dependable service to the public is a legal commitment you made by entering into a contract with Imperial County. The fact that the company has exhibited a “take it or leave it” attitude in contract negotiations with the workers’ union, Teamsters Local 542, puts citizens and visitors at risk, and undermines the confidence the public relies on, especially during emergencies.
It is time to put public safety and fairness above personal profit. Life-savers who work for Gold Cross deserve much better than near-poverty wages and a diminished health care plan. On behalf of the citizens of Imperial County--and the dedicated paramedics, emergency medical technicians and dispatchers who have worked for many years without adequate wages and working conditions—you must reach a fair and just contract with Teamsters Local 542, today!
In Solidarity with Our First Responders,
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