Ambulance talks

The ambulance service recently negotiated a contract with the town of Southington after its Town Council voted not to extend its contract with American Medical Response.

“Hunter’s Ambulance remains committed to reaching an agreement on a contract with the union,” Hunter’s President Gary Havican said in a statement. “We provided the union with an offer on June 15 that addressed all open issues and provides market-leading wages. Since then, the union has not accepted the offer or presented a formal counterproposal.

“While hopeful that the union will respond to our offer, and that service will not be disrupted. Hunter’s Ambulance will continue operations through contingency planning if a work stoppage should occur, ” according to the statement.

Local 294 said last week that negotiations with Hartford HealthCare had yet to adequately address concerns over short staffing, wages and safety risks. The safety concerns center on radio communications in downtown Meriden, where service is spotty and calls for additional resources from dispatch can’t always be heard, union representatives said.

Hartford HealthCare bought Hunter’s Ambulance nearly three years ago and upgraded its communication capability.

But according to Zera, paramedics and EMTs can hear Glastonbury calls clearly, but downtown Meriden remains problematic.

The communication issue combined with stalled contract negotiations for more pay has union leadership concerned.

“This is the perfect storm for members of 294,” said IAEP National Director Philip Petit. “They are responding to calls day in and day out without the guarantee of radio communication with each other or their dispatchers, which creates a giant safety concern. At the same time, we’re fighting at the bargaining table to guarantee a fair wage and protect their current conditions from cuts.”