Professional paramedics merge with MGEU

'Our membership believes that MGEU knows their issues." - Local 911 president Chris Broughton.

Winnipeg (26 Jan. 2008) - More than 250 members of the Professional Paramedics Association of Winnipeg (PPAW) have voted to amalgamate with the province’s largest union — the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU/NUPGE).

The Manitoba Labour Board (MLB) has officially approved the merger.

The new unit, appropriately named MGEU Local 911, will continue to function under the existing PPAW contract with the City of Winnipeg until it expires in February, 2010. At that time, a new contract will be negotiated between MGEU Local 911 and the city.

“We are extremely pleased to have been chosen by this very important and dedicated group of individuals to act as their negotiating and servicing organization,” says MGEU president Peter Olfert.

“Winnipeg paramedics have proven time and again that their dedication and professionalism matters when Winnipeggers need it most,” he says.

“The new unit will be a good fit and a great compliment to our strong, diverse membership. We’re excited about the future and looking forward to working with the executive and membership of Local 911.”

The MGEU already represents approximately 600 paramedics across the province, a key reason that a merger between MGEU and PPAW makes sense.

“There are a lot of challenges in our health care system, and paramedics face many of these challenges on the job each day,” says Chris Broughton, president of Local 911.

“Our membership believes that MGEU knows their issues, and the union brings a lot to the table in its ability to advocate for its members and getting results that ultimately improve service delivery to families and communities.”