As reported by MassLive.com, Springfield, Mass.
Massachusetts - Dozens of American Medical Response paramedics and EMTs mustered outside the company’s Cottage Street headquarters early Monday morning to protest workplace issues including what union representatives call “not livable” wages.
Most were clad in red as a show of unity, employees said. While the protest was extremely public, most workers, including union stewards, were reluctant to speak to a reporter, citing fears for their jobs.
“Right now the wages are not livable, they’re barely above minimum wage,” said one union representative who said his name was Colt. “And we’re saving lives every single day in the city of Springfield.”
He declined to be specific about their hourly or annual pay rates. Other employees privately said many are paid an average of less than $14 an hour. (According to Paramedic Training Spot, the average hourly EMT pay in Springfield based on a 40-hour work week is $15.54 and paramedics earn on average $19.70.)
Union representatives said they mounted a similar public protest three years ago amid contract negotiations over wages and other gripes, but carried signs.
“It was considered picketing because we had signs, so we got a cease and desist letter from the company,” Colt said.
This time around, they lost the signs but stood on Cottage Street, drawing honks of support from passing motorists. Their contract is up for renewal in June, union representatives said.
The Republican/MassLive.com has a request pending for comment from AMR officials.
While there is a shortage of paramedics across the state, Colt said there is a particular squeeze in Springfield because of high 911 call demands, plus employees jumping ship to join other ambulance companies that pay higher wages.
Ever thought about a career as a Flight Medic, Flight Nurse, Flight RT or EMS Pilot?
Join our Future Flight Crew Private Facebook Group. It's chock full of talented folks who will help you succeed.
Answer 3 simple questions to join, takes less than a minute.
CLICK THE BANNER to Sign Up (It's Free):
EMS Flight Safety Network is The People Who Keep Air Medical Safe
- EMTs | Medics | Nurses
- Pilots | Firefighters | ER Staff
- Security | RRTs | Trauma Doctors
- Landing Zone Coordinators | Dispatchers
- Specialty Transport Teams | Flight Surgeons
- Flight Communication Specialists | Mechanics | Chaplains
- Police | Fire Police | CNAs | NICU Nurses | Retirees | Veterans
- The Family, Friends & Coworkers Who Support These Professionals
