Saskatoon Paramedics Vote Unanimously for Job Action Amid Burnout Crisis
In a decisive move reflecting deep-seated frustrations, members of the union representing Saskatoon's paramedics and emergency medical dispatchers have cast a unanimous 100 per cent vote in favor of pursuing job action. This critical decision follows the breakdown of mediated negotiations with their employer, Medavie Health Services (MHS) West, which stalled in January after months of unsuccessful bargaining.
Exhaustion and Staffing Shortages Drive Historic Vote
Russell Grant, president of the Saskatoon Paramedic Association (IAFF Local 3270), emphasized that this vote stems from a severe staffing crisis affecting both field operations and communication centers. With 22 years of experience as a paramedic in Saskatchewan, Grant described a daily reality of exhaustion and burnout among members.
"Frankly, our members are at the point of exhaustion and burnout on a daily basis," Grant stated during an interview. He detailed how paramedics often work consecutive 12-hour shifts without adequate breaks, moving from call to call without time to decompress after traumatic incidents. Similarly, dispatchers in the medical communication center regularly operate at minimum staffing levels, struggling even to take bathroom breaks.
Negotiations Stalled by Funding Barriers
The union has been without a contract since March 31, 2024, leading to 16 days of bargaining between early 2024 and September 2025, all of which ended in impasse. This year, an additional four days of government mediation also failed to produce an agreement.
Grant attributed the stalemate to funding barriers that limit MHS West's ability to address key union demands. "There are just some roadblocks relating to funding that are limiting their ability to discuss certain things, so that directly affects our ability to bargain and negotiate," he explained.
Union Demands Focus on Well-being and Retention
The Saskatoon Paramedic Association is advocating for several critical improvements, including:
- Enhanced mental health and well-being support for members
- Better working conditions to address chronic overwork
- Effective strategies to recruit and retain staff amid shortages
- Resolution of ambulance shortages that compound operational challenges
Grant clarified that the union has no intention of disrupting essential services, noting an existing essential services agreement with MHS West that guarantees uninterrupted operations during labour disputes. "We want to impact public safety in no way by this action," he assured.
Exploring Alternative Pressure Tactics
While ruling out a complete work stoppage, the union is consulting with higher levels of the International Association of Fire Fighters and legal teams to determine alternative courses of action. These measures aim to exert pressure on MHS West to return to meaningful negotiations that address the paramedics' urgent concerns.
This unanimous vote signals a pivotal moment for emergency medical services in Saskatoon, highlighting systemic issues that extend beyond typical labour disputes to touch on fundamental questions of healthcare worker sustainability and public service integrity.
