#USA #Seattle #EMTs #Teamsters Local 763 #American Medical Response

A Major Victory for Washington EMTs

In a significant move for emergency medical technicians (EMTs), over 350 of them working for American Medical Response (AMR) have successfully ratified a robust new contract under the representation of Teamsters Local 763. This agreement, achieved after a decisive vote, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for fair pay and job protections in the emergency services sector.

Chad Baker, the Secretary-Treasurer of Local 763, expressed tremendous pride in the bargaining team’s efforts and underscored the importance of the contract, stating, "This contract is a major win for our EMTs, setting the standard for pay and job protections across EMS in the region." The agreement not only stands out for its financial benefits but also for its far-reaching implications on the working conditions of EMTs.

Key Highlights of the New Contract

The newly ratified contract features a staggering 19 percent wage increase over the three-year term, a substantial improvement that directly addresses the financial well-being of the EMTs and their families. Additionally, the agreement includes notable enhancements such as improved trainer pay and night shift differentials. These changes are crucial in acknowledging the skills and challenges faced by EMTs, especially those who work outside regular hours.

Another significant aspect of the contract is the reinforced protections for part-time workers, ensuring they are treated fairly in a system that often undervalues their contributions. Furthermore, the enhanced just cause language empowers employees, providing them with greater job security and protection against arbitrary dismissals. Sal Cossio, an EMT and a member of the bargaining committee, stated, "We fought and won major victories, not just a 19 percent wage increase over the three-year life of the contract, but protection for the wage-earning capacity of the members."

Transformative Changes for EMTs

The bargaining process was marked by a determined effort to secure meaningful changes that directly impact EMTs' livelihoods. The contract's provisions also limit the company's ability to enforce unpaid administrative leave and mandate cause for reassignments. Moreover, in an effort to enhance work-life balance, the contract doubles the warning period for canceled shifts, offering EMTs a fairer opportunity to adjust their schedules accordingly.

This agreement reflects over 86 years of advocacy from Teamsters Local 763, a union that has remained steadfast in fighting for working-class families across various sectors, including emergency response services. In times when essential workers often face challenges in their professional environments, this contract stands out as a benchmark for what can be achieved through collective bargaining and solidarity.

For more information about Teamsters Local 763 and the ongoing efforts to improve working conditions for EMTs and other workers in the region, visit teamsterslocal763.org.

As the emergency medical services landscape continues to evolve, this contract not only serves as a win for the EMTs at AMR but also sets a precedent for other emergency service workers across the United States who are striving for similar rights and recognition in their workplaces.