When the paramedics in Haldimand County voted recently on joining OPSEU/SEFPO, it was a unanimous yes.

“There are a lot of heroic public sector workers on the front lines of this pandemic, but none more heroic than Paramedics,” said OPSEU/SEFPO President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “Along with all the danger and trauma that have always gone with the job, they’ve been incredibly exposed during this pandemic, putting themselves and their loved ones at risk.”

“So on behalf of all 180,000 OPSEU/SEFPO members, I’d like to say thank you and welcome to our great union.”

The new members work out of five Haldimand County EMS bases which are located in Dunnville, Cayuga, Hagersville, Caledonia and Fisherville. OPSEU/SEFPO now represents the majority of land ambulance services in and around Peel, Halton, Grey, Bruce, Wellington, Guelph, Norfolk, Brant and Hamilton. Nearly 4,000 paramedics across Ontario are now OPSEU/SEFPO members.

“I’m constantly amazed by the bravery of paramedics like our newest members, and the work they do has never been more dangerous,” said OPSEU/SEFPO First Vice-President/Treasurer Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida. “I’m glad they understand the importance of a tough union when you’re working in tough situations, and I’m proud they voted to choose OPSEU/SEFPO.”

The Haldimand Paramedics aren’t the only health workers to join OPSEU/SEFPO this month. As reported in the Brockville Recorder and Times, the community health professionals in and around Brockville have also voted yes to OPSEU/SEFPO.