EMS Workers in Florida Set to Vote

Efforts are increasing to sway Leon County paramedics and emergency medical technicians one way or the other on whether to join a union.

Representatives from the International Association of EMTs & Paramedics are expected in Tallahassee this week to host meetings for emergency medical services workers. And county officials have been meeting with workers to discuss the union election, which will be held Aug. 22 and 23.

"I think it will pass," said Witt Skiver, a paramedic and union supporter. "But I think it will be close."

EMS Chief Tom Quillin said he's shared his perspective during discussions with workers.

"I respect their right to join a union if that's what they decide to do," Quillin said. "But I certainly don't feel they need one."

Assistant County Administrator Vince Long also has been meeting with EMS workers. County Administrator Parwez Alam said county officials are only providing factual information about the election and how wages and benefits would be negotiated under a union contract.

"I emphasize that it is very important for every one of them to go vote," Alam said.

But Skiver said county officials have been making somewhat subtle arguments against the union.

"They're basically trying to scare people that they're going to lose their benefits if the union comes," he said.

Some EMS workers have said they support the union effort because they want better pay and benefits as well as improvements to the ambulance service itself, which the county took over in late 2003. The hourly starting wage is $8.78 for EMTs and $10.71 for paramedics.

EMS workers will have union representation if a majority of them votes yes. The county wins in a tie or if a majority votes no. However, if the union effort fails, supporters could seek a new election in a year, according to Steve Meck, general counsel for the Florida Public Employees Relations Commission.

Both sides can challenge the election results. And PERC could overturn the results if, for instance, ballots were mishandled. If the union wins and there are no challenges, PERC would certify the union as the exclusive bargaining agent a little more than two weeks after the election.

The union, a division of the National Association of Government Employees, represents about 10,000 workers in 36 states. It has added about 1,000 new members in Florida in the past couple of years.

Florida is a "right to work" state, which means that workers do not have to join a union or pay fees even if their workplace unionizes. However, all workers' wages, benefits and working conditions would be determined by union contract. The Florida Constitution bars public workers from striking.

Distributed by the Associated Press