Hey, Tom Patierno!, Chris Nold was discussing Re: Unions with Tom Patierno :
CN> What state do you work in? I don't think there are any EMS unions here
CN> in Texas. It would be a major event if one began. I could be wrong on
CN> there being no EMS unions here, though....
 
Connecticut.  I work for the State of CT in a Health Care Union, and am an 
EMT-I for the ambulance at the facility I work at.  The Union I have has an 
"EMS Dividion" to which Professional Ambulance of Hartford was affiliated 
with, as was New Haven Ambulance, until they were aquired by AMR.  
    EMS is going through growing pains, as did the fire services of long ago. 
For instance, an untrained, high school diploma'd entry level health care 
worker in the Union will start at about $12.00 per hour. (No training, no 
special skills)  The company will train them, and after their 6 month 
probation period, they will increase their income per hour at about 5% (or 
0.60 per hour) every year.  They will "max out" at about $18.00 per hour 
fter
10 pay increases.  There is also the COLA that occurs mid year, negotiated 
from 4 to 8 % each year.  So, an unskilled health care worker in the Union 
will receive 2 raises per year, and they can remain at the Level 1 position 
s
long as they'd like.  There are many Worker levels recognised by the Union 
(Health care worker 1, HCW 2, HCW 3, Supervisor 1, Supervisor 2, etc.).
An EMT (Basic Level) has the same skill level as a worker 2 in the Union, 
which is about $14.00 per hour.  The EMT-I is about at the mid- point of the 
Worker 2 level ($17.60/hr) and the paramedic is at the worker 2 1/2 level 
(18.40/hr.)  The LPN is equal to the Worker 3 level (about 19.00/hr) the RN 
make about $40,000 to 60,000 per year, in the Union.  These are roughly 
-starting- salaries, remember, their are 10 - 5% increases every year before 
you're "max'ed out".  Ask yourself- do you think the Union has helped these 
workers, or hurt them?  
Oh, yes, the EMT receives a "retention bonus" each year of $425, in addition
to their regular salary, to stay certified as an EMT.  (on or about the first 
pay period of December).  
Not to mention negotiated work rules, addressing greivances, and clearly 
outlined job descriptions and disciplinary policies.  
Unions can help workers.  Seeing as Dr.'s have the AMA, Police have the 
FOP, and fire fighters have IAFF, etc., it can only be a matter of time 
efore
Unions come to EMS.t
Regards,
Tom Patierno
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